The Other Side of the World: Sculpture in New Zealand and Australia

Mark Stocker and Holly Trusted

Thousands of miles from the UK, on the other side of the world, a rich array of sculpture is to be found. Kathleen Scott’s arresting marble of sculpture of her late husband Captain Scott stands prominently and proudly in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It’s a monument to Scott’s doomed but intrepid expedition to the Antarctic, and at the same time a testament to the sculptor’s virtuoso abilities. In Melbourne, versions of Charles Sargent Jagger’s bronze figures of soldiers can be seen outside the great Shrine of Remembrance there. And in Sydney, Rayner Hoff’s overpowering and moving Anzac Memorial likewise testifies to the enormous sacrifices made by Australian men and women in the First World War. 

In addition to these monumental works, many other superb sculptures in the antipodes embody the vibrant creative spirit to be found there, historically and today. Public statues by artists such as Gilbert Bayes, G.W. Lambert, Ray Ewers, Arthur Fleischmann, Lindy Lee, Jean Broome-Norton, and Tracy Emin, as well as great creations by the Aboriginal artist Djon Mundine OAM and exceptional Maori creations, people cities throughout New Zealand, Victoria and New South Wales. The confluence of native, vernacular artistic traditions with European artists who settled in the antipodes is striking, giving the sculptures their unique quality and power.

This talk originated in the extended visit Holly made to New Zealand and Australia early in 2026. She was struck by the range and high quality of the sculpture in squares and gracing public buildings, in addition to the impressive holdings of sculptures in museums. A generous and welcoming host in New Zealand, Mark brings scholarly expertise to the study of his local sculpture. We hope to introduce everyone to the extraordinary riches of both these countries.