Da Ancient One by Alexander Knox, Melview Reserve, Ringwood North

Alexander Knox, Da Ancient One, 2023, patinated bronze, steel, concrete

This sculpture celebrates the Tawny Frogmouth, a bird that often takes up residence at Melview Reserve.  Here the bird appears as a bush sentinel, its prominent bright eyes looking out over the park. The pose recalls the Frogmouth’s ‘broken branch impressions’ where they observe their environment while standing perfectly still. This stillness is an essential element of their incredible camouflage strategy that they employ to visually merge with the tree branch. The patinated bronze body is textured with a Eucalyptus bark 3D pattern that recalls the Frogmouth’s camouflage patterned feathers. The artist has utilised an innovative 3D cast bronze technique to create the bark pattern that is an integral part of the outside surface of the bronze. 

Alexander Knox is a highly-regarded Australian artist, delivering commissions such as the kinetic light installation using 1560 lights at the AAMI stadium as well as sculpture on the Eastlink Freeway and in the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. In addition to numerous works in Melbourne, Alexander has been commissioned for public art works in Shanghai, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Surfers Paradise. His practice draws upon an extensive understanding of public art with installations that demonstrate a refined approach to materials and have the capacity to appeal to a broad audience.

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Location

Melview Reserve, Ringwood North 3134  View map

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