GODFATHER OF CORAL TO BE IMMORTALISED
1 June 2021
One of the eight sculptures to be installed as a part of the Museum of Underwater Art’s (MOUA) installation on Magnetic Island has been revealed to be modelled off Townsville’s own Professor John Edward Norwood “Charlie” Veron.
Dr Veron, who has been dubbed the ‘Godfather of Coral’, has been selected as one of the subjects for the artworks for his contribution to marine science, and according to MOUA’s Deputy Chair Dr Adam Smith he is a perfect choice of subject.
“Charlie is renowned in the marine science industry, it just makes sense that he has been chosen as one of the eight local, national, and international subjects for the Magnetic Island installation.” Said Dr Smith.
“He is not only responsible for having discovered and described over one third of the world’s coral species, but he is also the man behind developing the taxonomic frameworks for coral that is used worldwide.
“Not only is he the Godfather of Coral, but he’s a North Queensland local, having spent many years researching the Great Barrier Reef and lecturing at James Cook University before leaving to become the Chief Scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.”
The sculpture will form part of a new Marine Science Trail on Magnetic Island, will be accessible by snorkellers and pedestrians alike and is a free experience for locals and tourists visiting the region.
Jason DeCaires Taylor, the artist responsible for the installation, has designed Dr Veron’s sculpture to pay homage to the work he’s done for coral research and conservation.
“Each of my subjects have a unique marine story to tell and those stories need to be reflected within each of their artworks.” Said DeCaires Taylor.
“For Dr Veron, his contribution to coral research is shown through the design and texture of the sculpture, almost making him appear to be made of coral; it’s a very powerful piece.
“The feedback we’ve got from Dr Veron has been extremely positive. He was blown away by his likeness which was great to hear.”
Dr Veron’s sculpture is set to be installed later this year thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
