Created from 150 kilograms of jarrah and steel, Tony Davis’ Manscape draws inspiration from the eroded mesa and butte landforms of the Kimberley region, alongside the artist’s ongoing exploration of human shelter throughout history. Its dome-like form also references the traditional mia-mia shelter structures used by Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Through the tactile language of wood — a material that carries traces of time, place and memory — Manscape reflects on the deep and enduring relationship between humankind and the environment. Balancing strength with organic form, the sculpture invites viewers to consider shelter not only as a physical structure, but also as a symbol of connection, belonging and coexistence with nature.
First exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in 2016, the work has been generously gifted to Southern Forest Arts by Tony Davis for the enjoyment of Northcliffe residents and visitors.
Reflecting on the work’s placement within the Understory Garden Gallery, 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 a 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.”
Born and educated in Western Australia, Tony Davis is an established sculptor and artist who has been exhibiting paintings and sculpture since 1973. Across a career spanning decades, he has presented seven solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions, including Sculpture by the Sea on 24 occasions, where he received the major award at Bondi in 2022.
Drawing on a lifetime of experience working with Western Australian native timbers as both a sculptor and fine wood craftsman, Davis often combines wood with corten steel to create works that feel grounded in time, place and materiality. His practice explores the intimate and evolving relationship between humans and the natural world, using the “magnetic language of wood” to reflect themes of shelter, connection and environmental change.
His works are held in private and corporate collections across Australia and internationally, including Minderoo, Curtin University, the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Snowy Mountains Sculpture Trail and numerous public and regional collections.
Follow Tony on social media: @merletopsidavis_tonydavis
