Monday, May 21, 2007

Korea Malaya Borneo Memorial

Korea Malaya Borneo Memorial ANZAC Sqaure
The Korea Malay Borneo Memorial in ANZAC Square commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the wars in Korea, Malaya and Borneo between 1948 to 1966. Part of an R.S.L. Bicentennial of Australia Project, it was sculpted in bronze with a pedestal of granite by Rhyl Hinwood, and unveiled on 23rd April, 1988.

The memorial depicts an Australian soldier from the Malaya and Borneo Wars standing alongside an an Australian soldier from the Korean Campaign, with an arm outstretched welcoming peace and friendship. Australia participated in the Korean War 1950-1953, Malaya War 1948-1966 and Borneo War 1962-1966. As Rhyl describes it herself: "Two life size figures stand side by side supported by sandbags draped with camouflage netting. One wears tropical jungle dress while the other is depicted in winter gear mostly borrowed from other nationals."

This is another of a significant number of artworks around Brisbane sculpted by Rhyl Hinwood. She does both serious and humorous works, and has done both corporate and public items. I'm glad that some of these are available for all to see, and in particular this one, which has such historical significance in remembering those who died or suffered in war. The main image here is actually from earlier this year, when I visited the square and took some other shots, so you can notice the hoardings behind the sculpture which have since been removed.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I had never stopped to read the inscription on this monument. I had always assumed the figure with outstretched arm was a Turkish soldier of WWI. I made this leap based on the headgear and recollections of images in the Australian War Memorial (unfortunately not in Brisbane) and in the 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia (http://preview.tinyurl.com/2xjyhr).

You live and you learn.