The University of Canberra has officially unveiled the latest sculpture, ‘ONE’, thanks to a generous gift.
Situated on the Bruce campus on the Western Concourse between buildings 5 and 8, ‘ONE’ is a self-supporting triangulated structure that splits into three twisting arms of stainless steel that join at the apex and base. The exterior is mirror polished, with the internal surface painted red.
In 2015, the University was approached by Dr Naren Chellappah OAM about gifting a commissioned public sculpture. Dr Chellappah is known for his services to the international community as a volunteer dental surgeon. Dr Chellappah feels blessed at what his life has offered and seeks to give back to the community through art, and by sharing his values that provided him with strength through his life’s journey.
Over the following two years, a competition was launched, with eight artists who were known for their contemporary installations approached to participate. A panel of academic and professional staff chose the winning design, by artist Geoffrey Drake-Brockman, whose design best encompassed the values held by Dr Chellappah of truth, non-violence, love and peace.
“‘ONE’ is intended to speak to the values for living: truth, right conduct, love, peace and non-violence.” said Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini. “This is a direct association with the University’s vision of building a safe and respectful campus community.”
