SQUARE STATUE COVER UP
A STATUE of former Tasmanian premier William Crowther has been covered up, as part of a temporary artwork aiming to spark discussion about the statue.
The statue of William Crowther had received backlash for commemorating the Dutch-born surgeon, who was known for “mutilating the remains” of Aboriginal man William Lanne in the 1860s.
Northern Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Julie Gough on Wednesday unveiled Breathing Space, revealing a large, black crate that covered the statue.
“The memorial statue overtly celebrates and affirms the colonial project of the dispossession, death, dismemberment of the Aboriginal dead and the taking of Aboriginal lands,” Ms Gough said.
“The man was monstrous. “His legacy is Aboriginal grieving that still persists in his and his progenies wake.”
The alteration also includes a black panel that covers the engraving at the base of the statue, with onlookers encouraged to scan a QR code on the ground near the work, which directs them to alternative wording for the engraving.
“For decades, I’ve found it difficult to walk through central Hobart knowing I can see the statue of that man,” Ms Gough said.
“I wanted to have some breathing space and cover him and give us a moment to pause.”
Ms Gough said she hoped it would make passers-by think about Crowther’s history.
“I hope it brings attention on what the man did and to consider, does he deserve a statue in the light of what he did,” Ms Gough said.
The artist said in the long term, the statue should be taken down.
“It’s highly embarrassing for Tasmanians to leave this statue up,” she said.
The artwork is the third part of a series which aims to get Tasmanians talking about the statue and Crowther’s history.