Isn’t it intriguing. Here stands the Courage Statue. This sculpture invites us to contemplate bravery and identity. It’s located in Whitlam Place. That’s a small park in Fitzroy on the corner of Moor and Napier Streets.
The Courage Statue is by William Eicholtz. It was installed in July 2014. The statue depicts a young man. He is removing a Cowardly Lion costume. He looks back at a theatrical medal. The medal is for courage. What does that medal truly mean to him.
Eicholtz captured a neo-baroque moment. The world is always changing its costumes. The sculpture has movement. The costume is falling. The man’s torso twists. The lion’s tail curls. Most other statues seem static after seeing this. The statue embodies drama. This adds to its powerful message.
Eicholtz won the Helen Lempriere Outdoor Sculpture Award in 2005. It’s the biggest sculpture prize in Australia. He wanted a permanent public sculpture in Melbourne. He envisioned art throughout the urban environment.
Eicholtz said this sculpture recognizes the LGBTI and queer communities’ courage. They have the courage to be themselves. The plaque says it honors Ralph McLean. He was Australia’s first openly gay Lord Mayor of Fitzroy in 1984. Public art reminds us of marginalized communities. It acknowledges their presence in the city.
The Courage Statue isn’t just for Melbourne’s LGBTI community. The sculpture brings life to the park. It transforms this corner into a hub. One passerby remarked it was a man taking off the Cowardly Lion costume.
The Courage Statue makes you think. It makes you think about what it means to be brave. It makes you ask yourself what makes you brave. It is more than just a statue. It’s a reminder to embrace who you are. It reminds you no matter who you are.
Notice the lighted disco floor. See the LED lights illuminating the statue at night. The statue has a concrete and glass plinth. The lion head rests on the man’s foot.
The Courage Statue stands as a tribute. It honors diversity. It honors the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer community. It honors their contributions.
The Courage Statue is a powerful symbol. It encourages us to find courage within ourselves. It encourages us to be true to ourselves. It invites reflection. It also promotes acceptance.