LUMEN Issue 13 - June 2017 | Page 10

Besides sculpture , few art forms allow artists to manifest their grand concepts in such a physical , three-dimensional way . Since the time of Brother Joseph McNally , many creative talents have left an indelible mark on the SJI campus with their beautiful artwork . As part of the redevelopment works at Malcolm Road , the seven sculptures at SJI have played a game of musical chairs and found new homes around the school while more are being added to the number . Let us appreciate the artistic trove that surrounds us .
St Joseph carrying the child Jesus
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LUMEN | FEATURE

The

Sculptures SJI of

by Thomas De Silva
Besides sculpture , few art forms allow artists to manifest their grand concepts in such a physical , three-dimensional way . Since the time of Brother Joseph McNally , many creative talents have left an indelible mark on the SJI campus with their beautiful artwork . As part of the redevelopment works at Malcolm Road , the seven sculptures at SJI have played a game of musical chairs and found new homes around the school while more are being added to the number . Let us appreciate the artistic trove that surrounds us .
St Joseph carrying the child Jesus

Perhaps the most iconic of the sculptures on this list , this gigantic statue was crafted by the late Brother Joseph McNally . The statue is located at the school foyer and its distinctive shape resembles the pillars around it . Its symbolism is drawn from St Joseph ’ s role as the pillar and patron of the school . The elongated shape was designed to resemble the Brother ’ s robe . This is to draw a parallel between the role of St Joseph as the foster father of Jesus and the role of the Brothers - as foster fathers to the students . The plaque at the feet of the sculpture describes St Joseph as an upright and virtuous man who gave his all to provide for those he loved . He thus serves as the epitome of the school motto - Ora et Labora .