Forbes Shire Council can add another sculpture to their portfolio after resolving to purchase the Thinking Man sculpture from local artist Roger Bennie.
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The sculpture, called ‘Inside Out’, was entered into this year’s Sculpture Forbes competition but was unsuccessful in winning the $20,000 acquisition prize.
Following a request from Somewhere Down the Lachlan’s Rosie Johnston, council made the decision to purchase Mr Bennie’s sculpture at their October council meeting.
“I move that we go ahead and purchase this,” councillor Michael Jelbart said at the October 15 meeting.
“It’ll be a great addition [to the sculpture trail]...it looks almost indestructible.”
Forbes mayor Phyllis Miller said she was excited about the purchase of the sculpture.
“We resolved to purchase it so we could have a second sculpture on the amazing trail,” she said.
“Due to it’s impressive size, it’ll be seen.
“It’s only a matter of time and we’ll be renowned for our sculpture trail in Forbes.”
Ms Johnston was thrilled to hear of council’s decision and said it’s great to support local artists.
“I’m really excited,” she said.
“Roger Bennie is a local artist/sculptor and he’s been very supportive of the sculpture exhibition.
“This was his second entry; I hope he keeps entering.
“It definitely makes quite an impact at the moment from the park.”
Mr Bennie was also excited that council bought his sculpture.
“I am grateful to the council for acknowledging the value of my work, by purchasing my sculpture ‘Inside Out’,” he said.
“Sculpture Forbes has brought many visitors to Forbes who appreciate art and I am glad to be some small part of that.
“Art enhances the local community and helps Forbes gain notoriety at a national level.”
The sculpture Inside Out was inspired by Auguste Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ and took Mr Bennie nine months to create.
“The man - instead of wondering what he’s thinking, his thoughts are on the outside,” Mr Bennie said.
“The name Inside Out means thoughts on the inside are projected out.
“I wanted to provoke conversation and wanted to make it tangible to the community.
“A lot of art doesn’t communicate or connect with an audience, but I think that’s the most important thing, otherwise what’s the point?”
Mr Bennie said he’s been trying to focus more energy on sculpture, being mostly a painter, so Inside Out combines both endeavours.
The sculpture is made of metal, which was wrapped in chicken mesh and rendered in concrete, weighing about two tonne.
