Ken Colbung Statue, Duncraig

Parent Place or Precinct

27339 Duncraig Leisure Centre

Statement of Significance

The Ken Colbung statue has historic significance for its association with Mark Le Buse, the artist who created King Neptune and other sculptures for Atlantis Marine Park.

Physical Description

The statue is situated on a concrete plinth facing the Duncraig Leisure Centre. Sculpted from limestone, several of the facial features are deteriorated and black stains from surface dirt and moisture retention are evident. The statue is exposed to the elements as it is located outside of the Duncraig Leisure Centre awning.

History

Artist and sculptor Mark Le Buse (1918-1999) was born in America. He settled in Yanchep Two Rocks in 1975. In the 1980s he was commissioned to create statues in and around Two Rocks by the developers of Atlantis Marine Park, including a 10m high statue of King Neptune to overlook the marine park, a large clock with limestone and concrete busts of well-known celebrities, and other sculptures in the park including a pod of dolphins at the entrance.

Le Buse was previously commissioned to construct a series of sculptures known as the Waugal Monoliths, which was Le Buse’s interpretation of a Noongar creation story, adjacent to the Two Rocks Shopping Centre. It should be noted that he did so without consultation with representatives from the Noongar community.

During the Wanneroo Shire Arts Exhibition at the Sorrento/Duncraig Recreation Centre in April 1982, Le Buse was commissioned to carve the bust of well-known Noongar leader Ken Colbung. He took photographs of Mr Colbung to enable an accurate depiction of him, and carved the 1.8m high carving in situ so the public could watch his creation, using a large piece of limestone taken from Quinns Rocks for the purpose. Originally the statue was to be relocated to the grounds of the Wanneroo Shire Offices, but at the next Council meeting the Council agreed to leave it at the Recreation Centre. It was felt that the statue would be lost among the others recently created by Le Buse if it was relocated to Yanchep.

Le Buse crafted an estimated 48 limestone sculptures while living in Western Australia from 1975 to 1984. His work can still be seen at Two Rocks, most notably in the landmark King Neptune Statue that rises above the Sun City Precinct, a place in the State Register of Heritage Places. Many of the other Atlantis sculptures were relocated following the closure of the marine park in 1990. Several have undergone conservation and are now located in Charnwood Park, Two Rocks.

Condition

Poor - assessed from street view only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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