Description

The Enigmatic Art of the Ross Bridge

Enigma: something hard to understand or explain, a mystery; a piece of intentionally obscure speech or writing.

The Ross Bridge sculptures are one of the great enigmas of Tasmanian art. This bridge is unique in the world, with 186 architectural decorations carved in relief by convicts. It is an expression of defiance against the monarchy and the establishment; a rare, historic document written in stone. Some stones are poignant, but many are subversive, satirical, cynical and lewd. They depict crime and punishment, home and separation, ever-present death and hope of re-birth.

Thanks to developments in photographic technology and easier access to archives, Jackson reconsiders earlier interpretations and explores the intrigue of these stones.