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Ante Dabro Reclining Figure

ANTE DABRO

(Croatia, b. 1938;

emigrated to Australia 1967 )

Reclining Figure

1986

Bronze

115cm by 90cm by 90cm (without plinth)

150cm by 150cm by 90cm (with plinth)

Acquired 2007

109851

Reclining Figure 

Biography:

Ante Dabro was born in Croatia and studied at the Zagreb Academy of Fine Art graduating in 1966. A year later, he emigrated to Australia.

Ante moved to Canberra in 1969, teaching firstly at the Canberra Technical College and then during the 1970s, at the Australian National University School of Art until 2004. [1].  Dabro’s formative years in Zagreb, and the European milieu informed his teachings, in particular, his emphasis on figurative practices[2] and no doubt contributed enormously to the development of generations of aspiring artists.

Many of Dabro’s sculptural works permeate the cultural landscape of Canberra showcasing powerful figurative works, as much as smaller, more intimate studies of the human form.

Artwork:

‘Reclining Figure’ by Ante Dabro, was unveiled by the ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope on 5th December 2007, having been donated to the University of Canberra by the artist. The work was originally completed in 1986 and formed a centre-piece for a major exhibition at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery in 1999. This is a fine example of Ante Dabro’s work and his ability to render the life, movement and vitality of the human form in bronze.

The University of Canberra is fortunate to have a number of works by Ante Dabro and these include a set of drawings which continue the theme of the human form. Two of these drawings can be found on display the University’s library on level C.

Bibliography:

Haynes, Peter, Ante Dabro: Survey Exhibition, Drill Hall Gallery, ANU, Canberra, 1999, catalogue essay

View:

A number of works by Dabro are located at Brindella Business Park including “Suzanne”, and Royal Australian Navy Memorial on ANZAC Parade and “Resilience” on City Walk, Civic.

[1] McCulloch, Alan & Susan, The Encyclopedia of Australian Art, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, 1994, p.199

[1] Agostino, Michael, The Australian National University School of Art: A History of the First 65 Years, ANU eView, Canberra, 2010, p. 173