Artwork adds colour to refurbished Council Chambers

A valuable donated artwork has been unveiled at the launch of Mosman’s refurbished Council Chambers.

The large-scale oil on canvas artwork, Psalm No. 78, which was donated by Insurance Australia Group (IAG), measures 240cm by 610 cm, and depicts a group of picnickers at Balmoral overlooking the Rocky Point Island.

“Council is delighted to have been gifted this major work depicting an iconic Balmoral scene from a respected artist of Salvatore Zofrea’s reputation who also has had a longstanding Mosman connection, having trained at the Julian Ashton School between 1961 and 1966,” Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan said.

“This generous donation complements the new-look Council Chambers which had been long overdue for renovation and will now more comfortably accommodate officials and members of the public alike through these much-needed improvements to amenity and accessibility.”

The painting, which hangs at the rear of the public gallery, caps off a number of key improvements to the chambers, including refreshed carpet and painting, the installation of a hearing loop and upgraded voting and webcasting facilities for remote access.

The launch, which was attended by the artist Salvatore Zofrea, Stuart Purves and Erin Stapleton from Australian Galleries and Mosman councillors, was held before the start of the October council meeting.

Italian-born painter and printmaker Salvatore Zofrea who arrived in Australia in 1956, has since carved out an impressive career in Australia. He has held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane and internationally in Rome, was awarded the Sulman Prize in 1977, 1979 and 1982 and his work is held by the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and internationally by the MOMA in New York and the Vatican in Rome.