What is of greater importance? Art or the artist? Public art or public perception? That is the vexed question Bega Valley Shire Council must now tackle following the installation of a mural on Eden's water tower that was created by an artist who is now in prison for domestic violence-related crimes.
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On the surface, this flies in the face of council's zero tolerance to domestic violence policy, a position for which it should be applauded. What has transpired is an unfortunate matter of timing and, on being made aware of artist Lee Cruse's criminality, the council has acted swiftly, promising a review of its public art policies.
The sequence of events is this: Lee Cruse's original artwork 'Jungar Hunter' was already part of council's collection when, in 2015, Bega Valley Regional Gallery curator Iain Dawson applied for a Regional Art NSW grant to have it, and another work by artist Stan Squires, turned into murals to adorn Eden and Merimbula's water towers; in October 2016, Cruse was sent to jail.
Council is planning for more murals to be installed on other water towers across the shire and there is no suggestion they should not go ahead.
Public art adds to the rich fabric of our communities. Cruse's mural in Eden was the perfect complement for Squires' surfing mural in Merimbula, each capturing the essence of their respective communities.
What is not, and never has been, in dispute in this current saga is Cruse's talent as an Indigenous artist. His work can be found in galleries and he has also done work for the likes of the Tigers Rugby League Club.
And, of course, there is nothing unusual about prisoners' works of art being displayed. The Bundian Way Gallery, for example, features art by inmates of Cooma and Goulburn’s correctional centres.
The unveiling of Cruse's mural was much-heralded by Bega gallery curator Iain Dawson: “The detail and care Lee injects into his work is something to admire. I thought this location would make for an excellent 'welcome’ to Eden.”
The response received by council and the gallery has been overwhelmingly positive, although it is probably fair to assume that most respondents were unaware of Cruse's criminal record.
The majority of people will look upon the mural for what it is – a work of art – and will either love or hate it accordingly. But for Cruise’s victim the mural is likely to be one giant symbol of her ordeal.
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