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State Library unveils model Expo 88 sculpture by international artist

By administrator | 3 June 2015

This week, State Library of Queensland unveiled the model of a sculpture by international artist Jon Barlow Hudson, renowned for his Brisbane World Expo 88 artworks.

The maquette is a sectional model of Barlow Hudson’s artwork Paradigm, one of two sculptures originally created for Expo 88.

State Librarian, Janette Wright, said it was a pleasure to welcome Paradigm Maquette to its new home at State Library in South Bank.

“State Library is committed to discovering, recording and sharing Queensland’s history, and Expo 88 and Jon Barlow Hudson’s sculptures form a significant part of that history,” Ms Wright said.

“We are extremely grateful to Jon Barlow Hudson, and to the Museum of Brisbane for their generous five-year loan of this iconic piece.”

Paradigm Maquette was originally created in 1988 and has never before been on public display. It was a gift to Museum of Brisbane from the artist and Peter Rasey, Director of the Expo 88 25th Anniversary People’s Committee. The maquette was unveiled by the chair of the Museum of Brisbane, Sallyanne Atkinson AO.

The original sculpture, Paradigm, based on the double helix of the DNA molecule, was constructed in stainless steel and towered over the Expo 88 site at 30 metres high.

During Expo 88, Paradigm also housed 66 aeroplane landing lights that created a mesmerising night-time display.

Paradigm was the world’s first sculpture to be designed with the aid of a computer, and the world’s first to have a computerised lighting system installed.

Paradigm Maquette at State Library of Queensland

Paradigm Maquette at State Library of Queensland

Jon Barlow Hudson has been making sculptures for public, private and corporate sites worldwide since 1976, with installations in 26 countries. Expo 88 was Barlow Hudson’s first international commission. You can view an interactive map to find locations of Barlow Hudson’s sculptures around the world at www.hudsonsculpture.com/map. Brisbane is the only Australian city to host Barlow Hudson’s artwork.

You can read more about Jon Barlow Hudson’s work on the SLQ Today blog and view a video of the unveiling.

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