Contemplation

By Mark Norval

 

This sculpture is based on a series of paintings Mark Norval began in 1996. The portrait is of Kelvin Kelly, an art student from Derby District High School. Kelvin’s face was covered in ochre and illuminated by a campfire. He was about to perform in a Djunba, an ancient ceremonial dance. In his face the emotions of apprehension and nervousness are outweighed by a sense of pride and honour. This ceremony has been repeated in the Kimberley for thousands of years. 

It was the first sculpture to be included in the Sculptures on the Marsh display and was installed in its present position in 2019.