Rochester Secondary College Year 7 students Hugh and Aliza and school captains Jude, Maddi, Tara and Brodie stand tall with the trio of wallabies by artist Matthew Clarke.
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Three vivid pieces of art have found a new home at Rochester Secondary College.
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Neo-expressionist artist Matthew Clarke has donated three wallaby statues to the school.
Rochester Secondary College arts domain leader Meg Doller was thrilled with the donation of the wallabies that now adorn the school halls.
“We are incredibly fortunate to receive the three wallabies by Matthew Clarke, who had them displayed at the recent Rising Festival in Melbourne,” Mrs Doller said.
“They’re beautiful. They’re tall and they are built to reflect human proportions.”
Originally part of a larger collection of 20 pieces, the statues stand between 1.8m and 2.8m tall and feature a series of vivid colours displayed on a black background.
“The wallabies have found a new home in our school,” Mrs Doller said.
“They are so joyful, bold and dynamic. They make you smile. I know they will inspire our students and continue to be enjoyed by students, staff and visitors for many years to come.”
Mr Clarke was a finalist in the 2021 Archibald Prize, has had his work appear on Melbourne and Adelaide trams and has exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally.
In 2023, his work featured in Melbourne Now at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia and in both the Wynne and Sulman prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW.
This year, he was selected as a finalist in the Rick Amor Drawing Award at McClelland Gallery.
Standing proud: Neo-expressionist artist Matthew Clarke with one of his pieces that was recently donated to Rochester Secondary College.
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Mr Clarke draws inspiration from personal experiences, friends, family and everyday surroundings.
Wallabies, chess, birds, old mills and wind farms, people and colours and proportions feature in his vibrant works that explore themes of the people who are closest to him and cityscapes inspired by travel.
“A massive thank you to the Rising Festival and for the generous donation by talented artist Matthew Clarke,” Mrs Doller said.
“We look forward to being the proud custodians of these impressive artworks for many years to come.”
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