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Eicholtz's Jumbuck 2008 at Montalto Vineyard 'Eicholtz's Jumbuck' is a bejewelled and monolithic interpretation of the ironic Australian ram. He stands, handsomely, as a contemporary symbol for the bounty of the land of the diversity of Antipodean culture. His deciduous autumnal fleece of European oak leaves belies the impact of his hoofprint on the Australian culture, ostentatiously bringing his European prosperity into the Australian landscape. He speaks of a different heritage and legacy. His cement leaves are blown aside to reveal a bounty of crystal acorns; an unexpected produce like no other harvested from this land. He is the merino on whose back we ride through the lineage of rural and cultural boom. He is the ovine central image of Australian art, from Tom Roberts' 'Shearing the Rams' to Les Kossatz's iconic sculptures, but reinterpretated in a post-modern context. The merino glances at us through rhinestone eyes, with a glittering knowing irony. He is aware of his place in history and acknowledges it sheepishly. 'Eicholtz's Jumbuck' is 1.5 metres high. It is made from hardwearing polymer cement worked over polystyrene core, and studded with plastic rhinestone acorns set in cast bronze caps. These materials are ideal for permanent outdoor display. The sculpture requires little maintenance, but will benignly sits in its garden surrounds. Like 'Shrek', the New Zealand merino discovered sheltering in cave in 2004, shaggy and ensconced in five years of unshorn fleece, this iconic Australian image is rediscovered and brought into contemporary conscience. He sits as a curious sentinel, at odds with his present but acknowledging his history and looking to the future. |