In Melbourne, I met Peter Schipperheyn, creator of the magnificent Thus Spake Zarathustra. The monumental piece is at the McClelland Sculpture Park near Mornington. The tension running through Zarathustra’s bowed body as he reaches and affirms his decision is powerful.
Schipperheyn decided on its name in part from reading Nietzsche’s Ecce Homo (“Why I am a Fatality”, 3):
… Zarathustra was the most truthful of thinkers. In his teaching alone is truthfulness upheld as the highest virtue — that is to say, as the reverse of the cowardice of the ’idealist’ who takes to his heels at the sight of reality. Zarathustra has more pluck in his body than all other thinkers put together. To tell the truth and to aim straight : that is the first Persian virtue. Have I made myself clear? . . . The overcoming of morality by itself, through truthfulness, the moralist’s overcoming of himself in his opposite — in me — that is what the name Zarathustra means in my mouth.”
A smaller-scale work-up in the artist’s studio:
A shot with the full bronze in the background:
Also at the sculpture park is Schipperheyn’s Torso Femminile (1995-2000), made from Carrara marble.
Thank you, Peter. I’m just a very ordinary elderly Australian female who wishes to see your amazing sculpture of William Barak in the middle of the entrance foyer of our beautiful Art Gallery (St Kilda Road). It should stand where every Victorian can be proud to have such a brave and traditional Aboriginal leader taking a prominent position in our most beautiful art centre. You have sculptured this most powerful historical figure that can be forever treasured by all Australians. It should not be allowed to hide away from the Australian public – or unseen by visitors to our country.
I believe you need a large sum of money to have it displayed, and although I do not have any wealth, I do believe that I could help interest Victorian lovers of art to contribute to such a worthwhile investment. You make me proud to be able to view your talent which is a gift to our national inheritance.
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“It is shameful that Zarathustra, the Iranian and Aryan prophet and ancient philasofer, who inspired Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, has been portrayed by you in such a naked and insulting way.”
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Why is it insulting, Aria, and not powerful and awe-inspiring?
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