KEN UNSWORTH
From a run-of-the-mill Melbourne kid who loved footie and beer to a vaunted Member of the Order of Australia, multi-Biennale presenting artist and sculptor, Ken Unsworth, is one of our country’s artistic greats. And yet to many he might be best-known for Kings Cross’ infamous ‘poo sticks’ – when prodded about this sculpture (officially entitled a more subtle Stones Against the Sky) in 2003, he quipped: “Don’t mention the war.” Or some may remember him for his touching tribute to his deceased wife in 2009, which found a 4m skeleton, dozens of miniature grand pianos, a 19-piece orchestra and a banquet for 168 of Elizabeth’s nearest and dearest descend upon Cockatoo Island for his installation, A Ringing Glass. Others yet may simply know they love the Suspended Stone Circle at the Art Gallery of NSW – voted by visitors to be the most popular in the gallery. At a robust 80, he shows no sign of losing his spark for creating what he calls, ‘strange things’. CarriageWorks will host two major installations of Unsworth’s work this June, In Concert (1983) and Between Heaven and Earth (2011). Put those ‘poo sticks’ out of mind once and for all. (AB)
Jun 16-Jul 2, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, 8571 9099, carriageworks.com.au
