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Restoring prominence and harmony to significant Wellington sculptureWellington Shire is looking to relocate a significant outdoor work by one of Australia’s most acclaimed sculptors to a much more prominent, open position in Sale – in respect of the creator’s wishes and in keeping with the spirit of the piece By Wellington Shire Council - 6th February 2004 - Back to News Gate 1 was created by Akio Makigawa back in 1984 to provide a significant entry statement to Sale’s newly-opened Mall development. Its orientation towards his home town in Japan is designed to express an harmonious integration of western and eastern cultures.
The council-commissioned work is considered to be important not just because Akio, who died three years ago, was one of Australia’s most acclaimed sculptors, but because it was his first public commission.
Akio went on to create other notable works such as; the large steel reliefs at Melbourne University in Swanston Street; the hanging sculptures in Tullamarine Airport’s international departure lounge; and a related piece to the one in Sale, which is located outside the prestigious Alexander Library in Perth.
At the time Gate 1 was installed it was in some sympathy with its immediate surroundings, which included an open air theatre. Unfortunately development changes in subsequent years, including removal of this theatre, additions to a nearby building, growth of a nearby tree and the erection of a fence have all served to disrupt the ambience and obscure it from public view.
The National Trust has expressed concern about the Mall location. Akio himself had become increasingly uncomfortable with the site and always envisaged the work being positioned where it would provide a more open viewpoint. Respecting these wishes the council is considering a relocation of Gate 1 to the grounds of the Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre in the near future, to reflect the cultural vitality and variety provided by this new facility as a gateway to arts in the shire. Every care would be taken to preserve the work’s orientation.
Said Wellington’s Mayor John Jago: "It’s great to have public art like this within our shire. However, this significant sculpture has been something of a secret to the community for far too long and not fully appreciated because of its semi-hidden location. We want to provide it with the long-overdue recognition that it deserves and to celebrate Akio’s connection with Wellington.
"The entertainment centre looks to be a great new location for the work, where it would be exposed in an environment that does it justice and where it would not be overpowered by its surroundings.
"The new, open position would provide prominence and make Gate 1 much more accessible to passers-by and visitors, who would have a great opportunity to appreciate its importance."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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