New granite sculpture arrives in Civic Square

A major new piece of public art has been unveiled in Orange's refurbished Civic Square precinct.

The work, entitled Duo, is by well-known local sculptor Senden Blackwood.

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Ron Gander said the acquisition will mark the 30^th Anniversary of Orange Regional Gallery.

“Orange already has a fantastic collection of public sculpture and it will be very exciting to have a new piece of public art in Civic Square. This cultural precinct is becoming an increasingly popular hub for the community, and this piece will add to the area’s appeal,” Cr Ron Gander said.

Friends of Orange Regional Gallery (FORG), the Orange Regional Arts Foundation and individual donors have funded this acquisition.

President of FORG, Ms Ros Kemp, has welcomed the new sculpture.

“The FORG committee have been planning an acquisition of this scale for some time, to mark the Gallery’s 30 year anniversary, and we are absolutely delighted to have secured this work by local sculptor Senden Blackwood,” Ros Kemp said.

Emerging from an eight tonne block of black granite, sourced from Eugowra, Duo is seen by the artist as a reflection on and demonstration of the his experience of connection, relationship and duality.

“The final form the work has taken, both acknowledges and challenges the dualities of weight and weightlessness, movement and stasis, organic and industrial, self and other to create harmony through contrast,” Senden Blackwood said.

Gallery Director Brad Hammond said the new work will add to the gallery's collection of public art.

“Orange Regional Gallery is well known for its significant public art collection, with major works by Richard Goodwin, Bronwyn Oliver and Chris Fox in Civic Square,” Brad Hammond said.

“The acquisition of Duo will continue this tradition of public art in the precinct, and will also help to raise the profile of one of the region’s most talented and dedicated emerging sculptors.”

Born in Orange in 1979, Senden currently lives and works near Orange. His work is influenced by previous study in jewellery and object design at Enmore Design Centre and a family background of architecture, painting and illustration.

Blackwood is quickly establishing a reputation as a notable stone sculptor, and has been exhibiting since 2007. He has won several awards, grants and prizes for his work, notably the 2010 and 2011 sculpture prizes for Sculpture on the Edge (Bermagui) and the 2011 ANU residency prize for the Lakelight Sculpture Exhibition (Jindabyne).

Senden has exhibited in both Australia and Canada in over 35 shows, with two solo exhibitions in 2011 and 2013 at Brenda May Gallery (Sydney) and regular representation in prizes such as Sculpture by the Sea, Sculpture Inside, Sculpture in the Vineyards and Sawmillers Sculpture Prize.