Redfern’s Bower a hot topic
Image: The Bower in Redfern
A campaign is underway by the South Sydney Business Chamber (SSBC) to remove a controversial public art sculpture in Redfern.
The group states that ‘The Bower’ has been inappropriately sited and causes grief for the surrounding business district.
“The growing groundswell amongst businesses, residents and visitors is that The Bower is inappropriately located,” said SSBC Treasurer Karen Levin.
“The majority of the community would like it moved not only for its connotation [relating to the death of TJ Hickey, who was impaled on a fence during a police chase in 2004] but it obscures the businesses that exist behind it and alienates the grass area, which could be utilised in a more socially inclusive and collaborative way.”
The sculpture, which is located at the intersection of Regent and Redfern Streets, has had mixed reviews from residents since its inception in 2008.
“SSBC supports the efforts of the community to contribute to the positive rebranding improvement and re-positioning of the suburb that has already been taking place,” said Ms Levin. “[SSBC] have started an online and offline petition in order to seek support to remove the sculpture.”
The SSBC is hoping to gain 10,000 signatures from local residents. Ms Levin said the space could be more productively utilised, with many Redfern locals putting forward ideas.
“The Bower has been unappreciated by many in the community since its unveiling. Many in the community feel it does not represent the vibrancy and diversity of Redfern now,” she said.
The artists who created The Bower, Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse, said there had been extensive consultation when the sculpture was first introduced to Redfern but refused to comment further.
The sculpture represents the unique courtship ritual that the bowerbird is known for, where the male bird builds a structure and decorates it with sticks and brightly coloured objects in an attempt to attract a mate.
A plaque attached to the sculpture says it ‘transforms the mysterious courtship ritual of the bowerbird into a contemporary sculpture, using items from the Redfern community to reflect and celebrate the heritage of the area’.
However, Ms Levin dismissed the heritage value of the sculpture.
“Whilst acknowledging the history of and the appreciation for The Bower, the SSBC nevertheless supports the view that this sculpture has been inappropriately sited,” she said.
“Residents … are sometimes genuinely disturbed by its sharp edges.”
Geoff Turnbull, spokesperson for Redfern Eveleigh Darlington Waterloo Watch (REDWatch), said the group did not have an official position on the sculpture but noted “community feeling about it is certainly very robust”.
