Amongst the eucalypts and rolling green lawns of Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, a rabbit and a dog are hosting a lavish banquet for a table of creatures while nearby a parade of animals peddle off on one, long tandem bicycle.
These two odd tableaus are extraordinary sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc that have been generously gifted to the University for all students, staff and visitors to enjoy.
Gillie and Marc are successful and prolific creators of public art whose sculptures and paintings can be seen in art galleries and public sites in over 250 cities. The British and Australian artists are best known for their beloved characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, and their multi-disciplinary artworks pay homage to the magnificence of the natural world and the necessity of preserving it.
The two donated sculptures, The Wild Banquet and They Were On a Wild Ride to a Safer Place with Rabbitwoman and Dogman, encourage audiences to step into these conversations.
Immersive art inspiring action for endangered species
The Wild Banquet features Rabbitwoman and Dogman hosting a feast for twenty of the world’s most endangered animals, with empty seats inviting visitors to join the mission to protect wildlife.
Wild Ride depicts an extraordinary tandem bike journey with endangered species, including an African elephant, a Masai giraffe and northern white rhino, racing toward safety as a powerful metaphor for collective action against extinction.
‘Saving endangered animals starts with awareness, and awareness starts with education. That is why we chose these works for Deakin University,’ Gillie and Marc said in a statement announcing the donation.
‘We believe that when students can physically interact with these animals, sit with them, ride with them, and feel their presence, they build a deeper emotional connection and a genuine understanding of what is at risk.
‘We wanted these sculptures to live where future leaders, scientists, creatives and changemakers walk every day because this connection is what inspires action.’
The 2000s vibe on campus
These works join another work by the artists, The Musicians, located at Deakin’s Burwood campus, further enhancing the University’s Art Collection – a unique and treasured resource comprising nearly 3000 works by over 950 artists.
Deakin’s Art Collection plays a vital role in creating welcoming spaces for learning and research. It includes works by leading contemporary Australian artists, significant holdings of artist books, and cherished pieces by First Peoples artists, alongside works by Deakin students and staff. Together, these artworks tell the story of Deakin’s origins and its creative community.
Deakin’s Senior Manager, Galleries and Collection, Leanne Willis, said the University was deeply grateful to Gillie and Marc for the extraordinary gift.
‘These sculptures will not only enrich our campuses but also create opportunities for our local communities to engage with world-class art,’ she said.
‘The Deakin University Art Collection plays a vital role in growing cultural access and fostering dialogue around creativity and the spaces we inhabit.’
Visitors are invited to experience these inspiring sculptures as part of the Waurn Ponds campus sculpture trail, open to the public year-round.
The Deakin University Art Collection is one of Australia’s most significant university collections, featuring works by leading contemporary artists, First Peoples creators, and Deakin’s own students and staff.