We are delighted to welcome Manscape by artist Tony Davis to its new permanent home within the Understory Garden Gallery in Northcliffe. Officially installed this week, the striking sculpture is one of several new works to be celebrated as part of the Garden Gallery’s official opening event.
Created from approximately 150kgs of jarrah and steel, Manscape draws inspiration from the mesa and butte land formations of the Kimberley region, alongside Tony’s ongoing exploration of human shelters throughout history. The work also references the dome-shaped mia-mia shelter structures traditionally used by Australia’s First Nations peoples, creating a powerful connection between landscape, culture and shelter.
Exploring the relationship between people and the natural environment, the sculpture uses the tactile qualities of timber to evoke a sense of time, place and belonging. Through its organic form and materiality, Manscape reflects on humanity’s enduring connection with nature and the ways we seek protection, comfort and connection within the landscape.
Originally exhibited as part of Sculpture by the Sea, the work has now been generously gifted to Southern Forest Arts by Tony Davis for the enjoyment of the Northcliffe community and visitors to the region.
Speaking about the gift, Tony shared:
“Given that my sculpture strongly references humankind’s relationship with the environment, and my passion for using the tactile, magnetic language of wood as medium, the opportunity to place Manscape in the SFA Understory collection to further inspire engagement with nature and conservation alongside other creative artists, was most compelling.”
The official launch of the Understory Garden Gallery will take place on 23 May, Saturday at 2 pm, celebrating the growing collection of artworks now permanently housed within the space.
To explore more of Tony Davis’ work, visit Tony Davis Art.
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