Wolfgang Buttress: UNA

Image: Wolfgang Buttress
Una
2013, Stainless steel, 4 m dia. Australian National University Art Collection

 

This is a major exhibition by Wolfgang Buttress, an award-winning sculptor with an outstanding record of creative engagement with public space.  It assembles paintings, maquettes, and drawings which are related to the major public commission he has just completed for the Australian National University College of Science.

Meditating on nature, Buttress’ work evokes universal structures.  The symmetry of the human body is also present throughout the natural world – evident in cell formation, nautilus shells, diatoms and the stars themselves. By associating us with these phenomena, Buttress seeks to re-establish a more empathetic and harmonious relationship with the universe by means of poetic place-markers which engender the feeling of centeredness.

His sculptures are a rich mix of art historical, astronomical and biological references.  Emphasising connections between the micro and macro, they are portals of reflection that open to a sense of wonder, elation and sublimity.

Over the last 15 years Buttress has produced many artworks in the public realm in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, USA, and Japan. Included in this exhibition is a suite of photographs of major public commissions that contextualise his latest project.

As part of the Centenary of Canberra Festival, this exhibition is included in the TOUCH: Sculpture and the Land program which celebrates Canberra’s public sculpture and will coincide with the National Sculpture Symposium at the National Gallery of Australia where Buttress will be a keynote speaker. This exhibition is supported by the ANU Foundation for the Visual Arts.

[nggallery id=21]