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24 April 2017: International Sculpture Day – a sculpture in tribute to war dogs



On Monday 24 April 2017 the world will celebrate the art of sculpture during the third annual International Sculpture Day.

The aim of International Sculpture Day is to advance the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique contribution to society. Hundreds of artists, organizations and institutions in over 20 countries will celebrate the day in 2017 with open studios, unveiling public sculptures, sculpture scavenger hunts, pop up exhibitions, and demonstrations.

The sculpture I am featuring today honours ANZAC Day, held in Australia on 25 April each year. At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a commemorative sculpture in tribute to the Explosive Detection Dogs deployed during conflicts. The red poppies draped over the statue are to commemorate Anzac Day – for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (the ANZACs) and all Australians who have served in all wars and conflicts.

The bronze sculpture by Ewen Coate is called Elevation of the senses (2015) to commemorate Explosive Detective Dogs and their handlers.

The tunnel through the base of the sculpture alludes to the rigorous training undertaken by the dogs, while the rocky outcrops on top of the columns represent the foreign landscapes of deployment.

The elevation of the dog on the central column, where it crouches eye-to-eye with its human handler, highlights the deep bonds forged between animal and man, as well as their mutual dependence on which their work is based.

The column beside the sculpture includes the engraved names of the Explosive Detection Dogs that have died in duty:

Lucky on 4 July 2011
Herbie with Sapper Darren Smith 2CER 7 June 2010
Nova on 23 October 2009
Andy on 23 November 2007
Razz on 21 September 2007
Merlin on 31 August 2007

The Australian War Memorial has a range of sculptures in the grounds and inside. It also has a Roll of Honour, the tomb of the unknown soldier, the eternal flame, exhibitions, library, museum, bookshop, restaurant, and commemorative statues.

























MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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