Louisa goes to Court

Louisa 2 was unveiled at the Supreme Court, Melbourne, last Friday and there she will stay, not because she's been naughty but because she's got an important job to do. The idea of sculpture performing roles is not new, in fact it's almost as old as civilization, it may have gone a little out of vogue in recent times, but from my perspective this is the best reason for public art.

The court can be a stressful place and Louisa's role will be to help calm people. A courtyard has been renovated with the aim of providing people with a quiet, possibly meditative space; the sculpture's purpose is to act as a focus for this. The bluestone "benches" on either side may not the world's most comfortable seats but they do offer people the chance to sit with Louisa rather than entirely on their own. I think Louisa will be a good listener.

Whilst this is not a sculpture depicting justice, the fact that it is in a court will mean that she is unlikely to avoid being compared with the tradition of portraying justice as blind folded (to aid impartiality) and carrying scales (to weigh argument) and a double edged sword (to dish out punishment). A fairly fierce representation guaranteed to communicate the power of the courts to all.

Louisa does not symbolise power, she's human, caring and considerate.

When I told the model for this work, Louisa Waters, that she'd be going to court, she said, "Hmm I've never seen myself as being completely legal - but then again my star sign is Libra".