Pasha public art unveiled
On Friday 5 June 2009 Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay MP unveiled a sculpture to mark the grounding of the Pasha Bulker in fierce storms at Nobbys beach on 8 June 2007.
Lord Mayor JOHN TATE says the ship’s grounding two years ago received national media attention and attracted thousands of people from Newcastle and beyond to witness the event - many of whom followed the evolving story on a daily basis.
“That weekend will long be remembered not only by Novocastrians but visitors to our city. The Pasha Bulker is still very much a curiosity and the public art is likely to become a popular attraction for visitors to the city who want to see where the ship ran aground.”
Minister for the Hunter JODI MCKAY MP said the memory of the Pasha Bulker represents the struggle and camaraderie of Newcastle during an incredibly challenging time.
“While personal recollections of the period will remain etched in our memories, this artwork is something tangible the community, and also visitors to Newcastle, can experience,” Ms McKay said.
“Newcastle has a fantastic coastline and Nobbys is already a great attraction. The public art will further enhance this area and encourage visitors to come to our city and see where the drama unfolded that captured the world’s attention.”
Ms McKay said the NSW Government was pleased to support the project with a $20,000 grant through Arts NSW.
Public Art Curator JAMES COLLIS says the commemorative sculpture, titled Grounded, has been made by renowned Sydney based sculptor John Petrie.”
“Grounded is an abstract representation of the ship’s bow. The shape and colour of the sculpture, and its physical placement at Nobbys, will be an important memory marker for the community and a powerful stand-alone work of art.”
“An original section of 22mm plate steel from the rudder of the Pasha Bulker has been incorporated into the work. The main body of the work is made from 12mm plate steel and is approximately 2 metres in height and 6 metres in length.”
Petrie career highlights include:
- The Thursday Plantation Sculpture Prize in 1996.
- The Waverley Council Prize at Sculpture by the Sea in 1997 and Director’s Prize in 2001.
- Selection in the Wynne exhibition in 1997.
- An invitation to exhibit in the US Key West sculpture exhibition in 2006.
Petrie has family in Newcastle and has used local industry to produce this work, employing a team including a consultant engineer, fabricator, heavy plate roller and industrial painter. The construction of the sculpture used methods comparative to the shipbuilding industry.
Grounded was commissioned by Newcastle City Council with support from Arts NSW and One Steel. Check out the artwork photo gallery.
Grounded: Commemorative sculpture unveiling
1pm, Friday 5 June 2009
Nobbys Beach Promenade
At the unveiling of Grounded by John Petrie, 5 June 2009.