Robert Klippel Sculptures

In the Tank Street forecourt of the Commonwealth Law Courts are a number of sculptures by renowned Australian sculptor Robert Klippel. Klippel is well known for his abstract assemblages fashioned from scrap metal, and the collection of five pieces on display here show that all too well. They were created in the late 1980's and include the pieces numbered 661, 664, 773 804 and 807. They are representative of his work during the 1980's when he produced over 200 sculptures in that period alone. Many of his works are not identified by a name, but simply by a number, leaving the viewer to interpret what the artist is (or, for that matter, isn't) saying with the piece.

Robert Klippel was born in Sydney, Australia in 1920. He was 24 before he began night classes at art school, and he only spent one year as a full-time student before leaving for London in 1947. He also spent time in Paris, and the influence from Surrealism he received is shown in his work throughout his career. In the 1950's he moved to the U.S., including a stint teaching in Minneapolis. He returned to Australia in 1963. With a collective career spanning nearly 60 years he amassed well over 1,000 sculpted pieces, along with a huge collection of drawings on paper representing his work. He died on the died on 19th June, 2001 aged 81.

I must admit that when I viewed these works, in my ignorance I really had no idea of the significance of the sculptor. Sure, the associated plaque spoke of his eminence, but I disregarded this as mere hype. However, in reading the reviews and obituaries associated with Klippel, I'm now convinced that he truly was an outstanding figure in Australian Art. I'm incredibly proud that although many of us may not know it, we have sculpture of such international significance outside our public buildings. Artistic culture is alive and well in Brisbane.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Equilibrium

Keeping with the vein of the Law Courts, at the entrance to the Commonwealth Law Courts at 119 North Quay is the sculpture Equilibrium. Created by Akio Makigawa, the sculpture stands several meters tall. According to the sculptor, the focus is on the symbols of justice, the sword and the scales. The tall triangular form is the sword and is made of stainless steel. The white marble form at the top represents the scales and are symbolic of the equilibrium of good and evil.

Akio Makigawa was born in Japan in 1948 and came to Australia in 1974, studying in Perth. He moved to Melbourne in 1981 and using this as his base, he became a leading Australian sculptor, with commissioned works in most states. After a severe illness, he passed away in late 1999. He has both written about and been the subject of a number of books on his works.

I felt that the light when I took these shots was perfect. The moon had caused its own backdrop in the late afternoon light, and the different designs of each of the nearby buildings provided an excellent juxtaposition to the sculpture. The two materials of the sculpture itself also provide a fascinating contrast between the steel and the marble. Its also made me realise that I need to go into the courts on a day not on the weekend, as the inside foyer looks magnificent.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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The Law Courts Complex

The Supreme and District Courts are part of the The Law Courts Complex located at 304 George Street. Standing in the courtyard and facing the building you see the Supreme Court on your left and the District Court on your right. You notice the overwhelming greenery and gardens in the courtyard, in addition to three stone pillars which feature the Queensland coat of arms and a series of plaques that trace the creation of the Supreme Court.

Just to the left of the courtyard is the imposing sculpture of Themis, Greek goddess of justice. In Greek mythology, Themis was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia (Sky and Earth). Historically a goddess of order and assemblies, the word 'themis' has now come to mean ‘law’ in Greek, which explains the statue's relevance to the operation of justice today. Themis is the work of Greek sculptor Maria I. Papaconstantinou. The bronze casting of the statue was taken from a mould of the original sculpture on the Greek island of Chios and transported complete to Australia.

There is an excellent article on Themis and her Themes which was presented by The Hon Paul de Jersey AC, Chief Justice of Queensland, at a fine arts lunch in 2001. As he opened, "Study of the law is unlikely to inspire aesthetic delight...", but with law courts like these, and the associated artworks and sculpture utilised in the building and its surrounds, in Brisbane we truly have the counterpoint to the often dry life of the Law.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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