‘Stand’ draws on the local historical significance of the Battlers for Kelly’s Bush and creates a linkage to the idioms of ‘taking a stand’ and the presence of ‘stand’ of trees.
This intimate circle of trees forms a basis for the sculptural installation placed amongst the trunks, amplifying and unifying the vertical lines with abstracted human forms.
To stand together is a symbolic territory of solidarity that requires energy and will to create. Making a stand defines individuals by their intrinsic values.
That the seemingly disparate voices of some middle class women and staunch construction unionists should join to create the strong and vigorous stand of the first Green Ban in 1971 reverberates with potential for contemporary environmental issues overwhelmed by politics and greed.
“If a successful stand can be made here, then great hope and help is given to cases elsewhere in the future.”
During the exhibition many people referred to the ghost-like presence of the figures within the environment they saved, especially when the setting sun illuminated the work.
Leanne was privileged to interview Jack Mundey during her research and meet the last of the original surviving ‘battlers’.
Stand was selected for 2015 Harbour Sculpture, Woolwich NSW