Bathurst’s Peoplescape installation has withstood the wet and foggy weather over the past 10 days, however, last night, a couple of figures fell victim to vandals.
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While artist Brett Whiteley lost his hair and hat, beloved Kelso Public School teacher Jane Griffiths was left with nothing. Ms Griffiths died after a battle with cancer.
Co-ordinator Jan Page said this was particularly disappointing because she was one of the best-loved figures in the installation. A number of other pieces were flattened.
Organisers will be checking CCTV footage.
Ms Page said up until that point people have been very respectful of the display.
“It was everything I wanted it to be and more,” she said.
Ms Page said she had been overwhelmed by the amount of public engagement with Peoplescape. For many it has been one of the highlights of the bicentenary.
“Each one is an artwork within an artwork,” she said. “It has been a great success.”
Ms Page said the exhibition had withstood the weather of the past couple of weeks incredibly well and believes that, generally speaking, Peoplescape had been well respected by people.
“They love it,” she said.
“It’s amazing how proud people are of it.”
Ms Page said even though some of the figures were a little worse for wear thanks to patches of rain throughout the exhibition, most were holding up pretty well.
“Some need a bit of a help along. Each morning we do a little stapling and straightening where the ground is a bit soft,” she said.
“On the whole though, they have done pretty well.”
Ms Page said there had been a lot of repeat visits and many people had been asking questions about what was next, and what was going to happen to the figures once the exhibition closes on Monday.
“It is getting people talking,” she said.
“Some people were surprised by some of the figures represented.
“Others think it should be held again.
“It is definitely a one-off event, however, people can still contribute names and stories for the record if they feel anyone has been left out.”
Ms Page said once the installation comes down some of the figures may find a home at various locations around Bathurst.
There are also plans to create a book showcasing each of the figures plus any additional stories.
