The open wooden zigzag and tight zigzag represent human energy and spirit – these were occasionally referred to as “ personality lines” – and the curving fan of staggered steps symbolises movement.
Sharp edges and shiny surfaces mix with eroded metals to create a sense of liveliness, and the combination of straight angled pieces and smooth curved lines creates the illusion that the sculpture is standing proudly and saluting the sky.
I Am a Man Like You has a gentle but strong line and is far simpler and cleaner than Pryor’s other works. It does include some of the reoccurring symbols that appear in many of Pryor’s other works.
Commissioned by the Doncaster and Templestowe branch of the Movement Against Uranium Mining to commemorate the International Year of Peace in 1986. Funded by the Visual Arts Board of the Australian Council and the City of Doncaster and Templestowe.
Location of artwork
- Finns Reserve, Templestowe Road and Union Street, Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107
- Map: View on map
About the artist
Anthony Denis Pryor was born in Melbourne in 1951 and lived to the age of 40. Throughout his short career, Pryor created some of the most recognisable public sculptures in Melbourne.
Anthony Pryor’s work dots the Australian landscape from Townsville and Canberra to outside many important buildings in Mebourne. His works are immediately recognisable for their characteristic energy, line and dynamic form.
A respected teacher of sculpture at RMIT, he was much admired for his dedication to his pupils and the process of teaching. His work is much loved and the respect he gained from fellow artists is justly deserved.
Learn more about Anthony Pryor
- Website - National Gallery of Victoria
