A new bronze sculpture has been unveiled at the Hughes Shopping Centre in Canberra’s inner south, replacing the artwork, Stepping Out which was vandalised and stolen in 2016.
Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Gordon Ramsay said the new piece, titled A Delicate Moment, by artists Susie Bleach and Andrew Townsend, reflected key themes identified by Hughes residents during a consultation.
Mr Ramsay said the sculpture embraced the Hughes community’s vision of a nostalgic, imaginative and playful artwork.
“Public artwork is a fundamental part of cultural life in Canberra, and each piece becomes part of our community,” Mr Ramsay said.
“I hope this new piece not only fills the gap left by the original artwork but creates its own place in our shared history,” he said.
“We know how important this piece is for Hughes residents, so we have reinforced the footing and fixtures to ensure it remains in place for the community to enjoy.”
The original sculpture, Stepping Out (1997) by artists Giovanna Ianniello and Gerard Murphy, could not be recreated as the original mould had been destroyed.
The iconic bronze figure stood in the Hughes Shopping Centre for 19 years.
Ms Bleach said the replacement artwork that she and Mr Townsend had created responded to the affection expressed for Stepping Out.
“This new bronze figure cradles in her arms a large bird, a reference to our relationship with nature — with plants, animals, the landscape and other features and products of the earth,” Ms Bleach said.
“Together the woman and the bird speak of symbiosis, of empathy, trust, nurture, of rescue, comfort, fragility and protection.”
