The Shearer
Artist(s) Name
Sculptor Rix Wright
Description of Work
Remembered as one of Australia’s most eminent sculptors, Rix Wright who lived in Delegate, created The Shearer when he was just 19 years-old. Cast in bronze, The Shearer bends at the hip over a held sheep, its fleece almost entirely removed and laying at its feet.
The Shearer holds a special place in the Snowy Monaro’s arts and culture landscape with the piece representing the region’s strong agricultural and wool industries.
This sculpture is the predecessor to another ‘Shearer’ sculpture displayed in Bombala and the ‘Wild Horses’ sculpture displayed in Delegate.
The placement of the sculpture in Cooma creates a Rix Wright art trail across the Snowy Monaro.
The Shearer sits atop of a basalt rock plinth, made by stonemason Mark Clarke. Its design complements the existing rock walks in the adjacent roundabouts and represents the Monaro region that Rix Wright called home. The plaque contains the names of local families and businesses who contributed to the purchase and installation of the sculpture.
The Shearer was unveilled by Rix's children, Bronwyn and Bruno Wright, on 17 September 2019.
Location of Art
Centennial Park (close to corner of Sharp and Bombala Streets) Cooma NSW
Installed
17 September 2019
Primary Materials
Bronze
Type
Sculpture
