Wallabies at RSC

Rochester Secondary College has welcomed three dynamic new additions; a trio of wallabies.

The wallabies are human-proportioned sculptures made by abstract, neo-expressionist artist, Matthew Clarke.

Commissioned by and created for RISING festival, a mob of Clarke’s wallabies ranging in heights from 1.8 and 2.8 metres were originally installed at Birrarung Marr.

Arts Domain Leader, Meg Doller saw an opportunity to win a wallaby, and Rochester Secondary College’s application was so successful, they received three.

‘The wallabies have found a new home in our school. They are so joyful, bold and dynamic; they make you smile. I know they will inspire our students and continue to be enjoyed by students, staff and visitors for many years to come.’ Ms Doller said. ‘We are so grateful to Matthew and RISING festival for these wonderful sculptures.’

Based in Warnambool (previously in Kirkstall), Clarke commenced art studies at South West TAFE in Warrnambool in 2005. This is where - whilst completing a Diploma in Visual Arts, Crafts and Design - he met his mentor and long-time collaborator, Glenn Morgan. Since then he’s continued to add to an impressive CV.

He was a finalist in the 2021 Archibald Prize, has had his work appear on Melbourne and Adelaide trams, and has exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally. His work was exhibited in 2023 in the Melbourne Now at Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, and in both the Wynne and Sulman Prizes in 2023 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In 2024 Matthew was selected as a finalist in the Rick Amor Drawing Award at McClelland Gallery

Clarke is represented by Mossenson Galleries gallery in Western Australia and his work is held in the Art Bank collection and New York’s White Columns Curated Artist Registry. 

Clarke draws inspiration from personal experiences, friends and family, and his everyday surroundings. Wallabies, chess, birds, old mills/windfarms, people, and colours and proportions feature in his vibrant works that explore themes of the people who are closest to him and cityscapes inspired by travel.

Image details:

Matthew Clarke and his wallaby sculpture by Rick Maxwell Douglas

Photograph courtesy of Rick Maxwell Douglas.

Hugh Acocks (Yr7), Jude Ryan (Yr12 School Captain), Maddi Pearse (Yr12 School Captain), Aliza Beer (Yr7), Tara Atley (Yr12 School Captain) and Brodie Humbert (Yr12 School Captain) with trio of Wallabies by artist, Matthew Clarke.