Condobolin’s Utes in the Paddock is a unique and quirky Australian exhibition which is gaining increased national attention.
The most popular question about this amazing art exhibit is: How did “Utes in the Paddock” come about?
The story goes…
While travelling Route 66 on a trip across the United States, Graham Pickles and his wife Jana were drawn to an unusually popular attraction named “Cadillac Ranch”, located in the west of Texas near Amarillo.
Intrigued by the ranch’s popularity, the “Utes in the Paddock” concept grew from a whimsical ‘what if’ seed… and in August 2007 the Utes team began working on the project.
Utes were donated by residents from the area who caught the ‘utes bug’ after learning that many of Australia’s most gifted outback artists were donating their time and talent to create this unique tribute to life in the bush.
As Australia mourns the untimely demise of a National icon, the small country NSW town of Condobolin continues to pay tribute to the true blue Aussie Holden with its Utes in the Paddock installation.
This uniquely Aussie display, installed on a 25-acre block just outside Condobolin in the Lachlan Shire, boasts a total of 18 original artwork sculptures created from classic Holden utes.
With the sad news that Holdens will no longer be manufactured, Utes in the Paddock will now take on new meaning as a vibrant, visual tribute to Australia’s favourite vehicle.
Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM said he is proud that his Shire is host to the gallery in the heart of NSW and encourages people to come and experience this wonder of Australian artwork.
“The Lachlan Shire is very lucky to have such an iconic tourist attraction in the community of Condobolin. I encourage all Holden enthusiasts to visit our Shire and this extraordinary display”, the Mayor said.
Utes in the display include Dame Edna’s Looute by local artist Karen Tooth, which combines three Aussie icons – the outdoor dunny, the Holden ute and the international superstar housewife from Moonee Ponds, Dame Edna Everage.
Australian musicians Jim Moginie from Midnight Oil and Stephen Coburn ex Mental As Anything collaborated on Utezilla which transformed an FE model Holden ute into a Godzilla-style giant red kangaroo, inspired by the Midnight Oil song Redneck Wonderland.