Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl

The unique artwork at the forecourt of the Wesley Place Church in Lonsdale St, Melbourne featuring two solid cast bronze bench sculptures entitled Balit-dhan Balit-ngangjin (Their Strength Our Strength) were the result of the collaboration between artists Maree Clarke and Trent Jansen.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.

Commissioned by Charter Hall as a tribute to Louisa Briggs, William Barak and to the history of Coranderrk Reserve- the benches memorialises the agricultural traditions practiced at Coranderrk station, as well as the established cultural practices of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples; the branches alludes to the hops poles used at Coranderrk, while the river reed and charcoal seats recognises the extraordinary cultural practices of the Boon Wurrung and Wurandjeri community.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.

Axolotl is proud to have been a part of this remarkable project. In collaboration with the artists, they were commissioned to produce and deliver the artworks. The sculptures are the result of over 1000 hours of work in prototyping and fabrication, reflecting an astonishing closeness to the initial sketch concepts of the artists. The final touch for the Wesley Place Church Forecourt bronze sculptures is completed by landscape architecture by Oculus Studios.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.

Bronze Sculptures at the Wesley Place Church Forecourt in Melbourne by Axolotl.