Richard Gross considered the male nude to be the highest form of sculptural expression but in conservative pre-Second World War New Zealand his nude sculptures attracted considerable controversy. Gross aimed to convey abstract ideals in these figures; for example 'The athlete', on the gate at the Auckland Domain, stretching outward and upward, represents striving, action and freedom. The similarity to Greek and Roman statues is deliberate: Gross believed that classical art was the ultimate standard of excellence.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Flickr: Vern Smith's photostream
Photograph by Vern Smith
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou