Government of Western AustraliaPERCENT FOR ART SCHEME

NORTHAM SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ARTS CENTRE • 2015

Polykleitos was a Greek sculptor in the fifth century BC, he believed a statue should be composed of clearly definable parts, all related to one another through a system of ideal mathematical proportions and balance.

Compton and Capponi have created a suite of artworks that connect and link the key public spaces throughout the new arts center, from the public entrance and foyer through to the courtyard and beyond to the students entrance to the north. The artists’ reference to ancient Greek arts as a thematic consideration links the idea of beauty and creativity to the use of the building as a place for the expression of imagination and personal growth. The carved granite sculptures reveal the beauty within, a metaphor for education.

The new arts complex includes teaching areas for music, art and drama as well as a performance auditorium. The court-yard in the centre of the complex is designed as a spill area for classrooms, the performing arts auditorium and foyer gallery. The carved and polished granite sentinels at the entrances to the court-yard hint at the pivotal grouping of sculptures within the court yard. In this space the artists have created the focal point of their work with five stone elements combined with beautifully carved wooden detailing. They are functional and tactile artworks that consider and reference the many uses of this space. Polykleitos is eye-catching when viewed at a distance and engaging, tactile and intimate at close range. This monumental

work, the tallest piece is over two metres high and the heaviest is over three and a half tonnes, will serve and engage its audience for many years.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Artist: Nic Compton and Pierre CapponiTitle: PolykleitosArchitect: Design Inc Principal: Ron Jee Project Architect: Roger PaulArt Coordinator: Jenny KerrPhotography: Jenny KerrClient: Department of Education - David Muir Client Representative: Principal - Terry MartinoProject Manager: Department of Finance - John MackenzieConstruction: Badge Construction Construction Manager - Cris Tanase Site manager - John FarrellyGPS: 31o38’49.72” S 116o40’07.67”E