Finished painted cod sculpture from three-quarters view showing its scale against visitor walkway

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Murray Cod Sculpture

Arcadia native fish hatchery, Victorian Fisheries Authority

Project Specifications

Client: Victorian Fisheries Authority
Location: Shepparton (Arcadia), Victoria, Australia
Role: Sole sculptor — anatomical modelling, surface articulation, integration with the engineered steel framework
Materials: Steel armature, mesh, cement render, applied colour
Scale: 16 metres
Status: complete
Collaborators: NatureWorks Australia

Physical Scale Comparison16 metres

1.75m Human

16 metres Work

Commissioned as the centrepiece of the Arcadia Visitor Centre and funded through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

Working alongside NatureWorks Australia, Anil was the only sculptor on the team: the full anatomical form, fin and scale articulation and the transition from engineered steel frame to finished surface were his.

The work was painted on completion by Australian artist Phil. It stands as a conservation landmark for a species that defines the Murray–Darling river system.

Visual Documentation

Steel armature frame of the Murray cod under construction at dusk

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Engineered steel armature frame under construction

Anil working on the mesh and concrete render of the cod's head

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Anil sculpting the scale and head details on site

Completed white render of the Murray cod sculpture prior to painting

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Rendered white form showing anatomical scale

Credits & Acknowledgements

Collaborative execution with NatureWorks Australia. Painting by Phil.