Barrie Robran MBE, Adelaide Oval
Barrie Robran is considered to be the greatest South Australian Football player…ever. The third sculpture Ken created for the Adelaide Oval, portrays the remarkable sportsman Barrie Robran embracing flight and aerial display in sculpture.
Ken Martin enjoyed playing Australian Rules Football as a younger man, providing him with a sufficient understanding of the game in detail and Ken delights in memories of watching Barrie Robran play in the 1960s and 70s when he dominated the game. Barrie, known for his high, aerial marks gave Ken the opportunity to embrace and explore flight and aerial design in sculpture.
“He (Barrie Robran) could kick a football 60 metres with great precision with his left or right leg…however it’s those aerial skills that spring to mind for most fans”. - Ken Martin
A major sculptural challenge however was achieving this elevation and sensation of flight that Robran was renowned for, without the presence of an opponent. A carefully proportioned tapered bronze column proved the key to achieving a sense of propulsion, flight and defiance of gravity. A single point of connection between column and right foot with left leg suspended out in space works to draw attention to the floating figure.
Playing in the pre-AFL era , among his many achievements were 3 Magarey Medals (Best and Fairest) , he represented South Australia 17 times in interstate games and was the first Australian Rules Footballer to receive a MBE for his contribution to the sport.
Size: 125% life size: 409 cm H
Bronze
Adelaide Oval
