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Monday, June 5
The Problematic Statue

A brief history of debunking and
desecrating public monuments

by Geoffrey Edwards.

THE LECTURE

The toppling and vandalising of prominent statues around the world has been an all-too-frequent news item in recent times. Citing the alleged moral failure or criminal culpability of the toppled subjects, the wrath of outraged crowds has focused on the grand sculptural representation of kings, presidents, dictators, and celebrated historical identities including Christopher Columbus, Captain James Cook, assorted Confederate generals, and Cecil Rhodes. But this is hardly a modern-day phenomenon. The problematic statue takes a look at the surprisingly long tradition of trashing public art in the interests of re-writing history. 

Geoffrey EDWARDS

THE LECTURER

Geoffrey Edwards was the Director of the Geelong Art Gallery. Prior to this appointment, he held Senior Curatorial positions at the National Gallery of Victoria where he was in charge of the collections of International and Australian sculpture and Melbourne's celebrated holdings of ancient, antique, and modern glass. He is also the Senior Sculpture Curatorial Advisor for Point Leo Estate Sculpture Park.

ARRIVE FROM 6:15 PM   |  LECTURE 7 PM

CESSNOCK PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 

 

HELP SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF ART

Raffle tickets are sold at the door and cost $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Two winning tickets are drawn and the first winner takes the first pick. The raffle is drawn at the conclusion of the lecture.

Geoffrey Edwards 
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