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Cypress pine, iron
360 x 180 x 120cm
Montalto Sculpture Prize Winner 2006
Acquired 2006, Rebuilt 2020
A contemporary timber and iron construction, Helm rises from the ground with the presence of an ancient navigational instrument.
The form evokes the wheel of a ship, its spokes projecting outward as if ready to set a course.
Situated among the trees, the work creates a moment of stillness and contemplation, inviting visitors to consider movement, direction and the choices that shape a life.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Don Barrett
Don Barrett is an Australian sculptor whose practice centres on timber and metal works that explore balance, structure, and the quiet symbolism found in everyday objects.
His sculptures often reference tools, vessels, and frameworks, reimagined at a monumental scale and placed in dialogue with the natural landscape.
Barrett works predominantly with reclaimed or sustainably sourced timbers, sometimes combined with iron or steel to reinforce structural tension. His forms often carry echoes of utility, yet function symbolically rather than practically.
Recurring themes in his work include navigation, grounding, and the interface between human intention and the forces of nature. He is particularly drawn to the way objects can act as metaphors for decision making, resilience, and personal direction.
SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Winner, Montalto Sculpture Prize 2006 for Helm.
Exhibited widely in outdoor sculpture exhibitions across Australia.
Known for large-scale timber installations with strong architectural and symbolic qualities.
Ongoing public and private commissions throughout Victoria.
BARRETT AT MONTALTO
Helm was created for the 2006 Montalto Sculpture Prize, winning the major award before being acquired for the permanent collection.
Rebuilt in 2020 to preserve its structural integrity, the work remains true to Barrett’s original design and intention.
The sculpture stands in a sheltered pocket of the estate, where dappled light and native bushland textures intensify its sense of quiet purpose.
Barrett describes the work as a form that “calls on the viewer to steer their life in the direction they would like to go,” its physical strength balanced by a contemplative presence that resonates with the broader themes of his practice.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Website: https://www.donbarrett.com.au/about-don-barrett/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donbarrett898/
