Spatial Art Project 2Ā
Site AnalysisĀ
Initial ThoughtsĀ
Do I create an installation on a site I found interesting and memorable or do I do a site that was plain to the eye yet had lots of foundation to create stigma and make it memorable?
How land influences the way we see and interact with the environment and with othersĀ
The delicacy of the land and the permission to take from the land from the elders (he explained how you cannot rip a branch off of the tree without asking the elder if it is appropriate)
The route was a lovely walk that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was very windy throughout the walk except for the surrounding buildings. In choosing the site I want something that will enrich the experience of the passerby's. Something that will make them linger within the space and capture something through a different perspective.Ā
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I have decided on the location of York's Hollow which is rich in history. It features a lot of environmental aspects with ecosystems which would be interesting to see embody the installation.Ā
I found the pathways a great direction to follow with a scenic journey and discover each step of the way. It felt almost like a sin if I went outside of that boundary.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere here. Perhaps because I have not been to the park in a while I forgot what it was like to look at the pond and see the fish or try to spot a turtle. I love seeing the Ibis in their nest and seeing the water hens walking in the clear pond looking at their feet dance on the jaggered rocks that cover the bed.Ā
I noticed after taking these images how "bland" and neutral the colours are within this site. In comparison with the earlier photo of the flowers on the edge. Perhaps encasing the installation with colour will accentuate these natural features and create this NEED to be within the area and to appreciate the finer things and experiences.Ā
I found this really interesting website called the darker side of Brisbane. It is a little creepy but there were a lot of sad stories I felt needed to be portrayed within the site. Or at least acknowledge this awareness that there was a disruption in the land and livelihood of the Yuggera people.Ā
History of the LandĀ
York's Hollow (Victoria Park). (2020). Retrieved 21 October 2020, from http://www.yourbrisbanepastandpresent.com/2013/05/yorks-hollow-victoria-park-spring-hill.html
Research of the AreaĀ
Center of Brisbane's large metropolitan area:
- green space that we know as Victoria Park
- centuries before the white man came to Australia the Turrbal people roamed the area around the Brisbane River, and the area we call Victoria Park was one of their important meeting grounds.Ā
- Turrbal called it "Barrambbin", meaning "windy place"
- Various mobs would gather there to share corrobborees or settle disputes. Some of those gatherings that were observed by white men consisted of as many as 700 or 800 participants.Ā
Boundary Street in Spring Hill was the "boundary" separating blacks from whites after curfew - to keep them out of Brisbane, the Aborigines were not allowed to venture past this street at night
"The wind and trees combined to provide considerable fallen branches and therefore the vicinity was valued as an important source of firewood by Aboriginals and Europeans alike. The open forest was inhabited by koalas, possums, kangaroos and emus.21 Lagoons in Victoria Park once supplied abundant reeds, waterlilies, fish (bream and eel) and waterfowl."
I found this comment very interesting in my research as it captured this idea of gathering and lively nature
Initial Ideas
Within the model making I was intrigued to make organic shapes with rectangular pieces and see the flexibility of the material and what it could generate. Perhaps it could mimic the shape of the trees and the imperfect direction that beautifully captures growth.Ā
Within the next idea I created a piece with cane with wire in order to manipulate this to create a juxtaposition of natural with artificial. I wanted to comment on the fact that the site is located near the bypass and explore this peculiar set up. It was fun to explore this twist and see how the cane could stand up.Ā
I added the first idea with the second idea to create a structure that I thought could become a pavilion for the installation. I think a pavilion is appropriate in order to comment on the history of the site and the almost abode nature of the land. Installing a structure that gathered people together could inspire people, culture and create perspectives on the land.Ā
After removing the wire from the cane I found the form very interesting. The coils are organically tight and combined which would make for an interesting frame or idea for the final idea of the installation.Ā
InspirationĀ
I found this image so interesting. Holy Moley. Like how does theĀ sticks and branches hold up a rock? This piece captures the strength yet fragility of nature and this organic shape that makes you question if you should go up and take a closer look or be weary that it might collapse. The simplistic materiality creates this coherent overall expression that almost looks like nature crafted it itself. I really like the idea of contrast with similarities that connect them.Ā
As I was taking a walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre I was astonished with the way people constructed elements with nature.Ā The steps seemed seamless, as if nature was guiding you on a path enclosing you in a hug of its glory. The long tall trees enclosed the area making you comprehend the size of man. The amount of trees were so vast, I almost did notĀ mind getting lost if this was the view.Ā
The next image is of the same place but within the community area with the BBQ's and the little children would run around and grab sticks to make these tent like shelters and big bon fires. It was great to see this interaction and imagination. There is a lot to be taken from this examples.Ā
They were so simple yet effective.Ā
Initial ConceptĀ
Within the initial concept I was inspired by the tent like structures at Daisy Hill Koala Centre and decided to create a tent like element from the model making prior. I tried to envisage this piece of simple, strong and stand alone installation that would capture the history of the land. I think it would be perfect near the pond at York's Hollow to create this home by the river aspect. Everything you need to be comfortable in life is a step away. I get this idea of gathering and seeing the different elements of the land all at once and getting those benefits.Ā
Within the first concept presentation for the installation I drafted this idea of:
- acknowledging the dark history of the landĀ
- celebrate the present and the culture of the people who owned the landĀ
- made out of black powder coated hollow round steel channel with bendy timber ply weaved in between to create this juxtaposition of the old with the newĀ
- to stand out amongst the surroundingsĀ
- to be a permanent structureĀ
- to have a seat to reflectĀ
The image above of the kitchen:Ā
I had a really cool dream where it was this burnt rusted down old house yet it was still standing. It was covered in this copper like coating yet in the kitchen there was brand new plates and cutlery. And so on within the rest of the rooms in the house. I wish I could visually present you with that dream but I thought it was such a profound experience and acknowledgement of memories, a place stopped in time and it provided a reminiscing upon the structure and what was there and how it still stands.Ā
Artist Examples
When I saw this image of the pavilion I took great inspiration. It was such a simple yet evocative design in which it captured the presence of the land and the treatment of the original owners. The black was so striking and remained throughout which I thought provided a coherent embodiment to the concept. This idea of reflection created a reminding of how installation should be interacted. The fact that the lighting plays such a role in this concept is profound. As the sun comes over you are able to see the black shiny shapes that cover the wall representing the people and the shadows that they form.Ā
https://www.archdaily.com/938826/in-absence-pavilion-edition-office-plus-yhonnie-scarce
Marlu Chair by Nicole MonksĀ
Although I am not an advocate for killing kangaroos (I hope this was from a road side incident) The mixture of the steel black with the kangaroo skin creates this empowerment and culture I have not seen often within furniture designs. To me this piece feels like you are a part of royalty. The type where you need a particular stance and posture in order to embrace the chair. This piece reflects the shape of the kangaroo in such unique forms and I absolutely am obsessed with the contrast.Ā
http://nicolemonks.com/marluĀ
I have been looking into satellite imagery lately for another assignment and I just find the structures so intriguing. The science behind such structures is insane and I truly adore this concept of science and culture. Symbols are so evocative and provide detail. The satellite no longer is a plain white structure it is a work of art that can be visually enjoyed by many on the country side.Ā
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/indigenous-australians-to-lead-space-industry-at-new-alice-springs-earth-ground-station
Looking more into pavilion structures have always been a passion of mine. This image caught my eye through the aesthetic weave, structure and materiality. This pavilion is so grand and provides a lot of shade. I like the orange seats they have catered which makes people want to sit and embrace the structure. I would love to imagine the wind and how that could make sound or be felt within that pavilion.Ā
https://www.archdaily.com/895471/bamboo-stalactite-vtn-architects?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
Weaving takes some serious skill and patience. To make something rounded and in a pattern is something I really want to learn and embrace. It is wonderful to see art and culture intertwine and capture the beauty of craft and history. I found it so interesting to hear the used plastic water bottle in order to help them create these pieces.Ā
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/pet-lamp-the-bright-idea-weaving-plastic-waste-and-aboriginal-textiles-together/
This is another pavilion with timber and metal accents. This structure is in Canada celebrating the indigenous cultures of their land. I found this structure to be more symmetrical and ordinary but it holds so much value and embraces the sky through the portal of the circular metal elements that adorn the pavilion. It has a great seating area so it can easily be catered for a number of things.Ā
https://inhabitat.com/amazing-hoop-dance-gathering-place-celebrates-canadas-indigenous-cultures/
I enjoyed looking at different mediums of art and site in order to formulate an idea. This example of the garden embraces the original language of the owners of the land. It features culture symbols and flora and fauna significant to the area. Capturing the gift and education of the features of the land.Ā
https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/plants-tell-stories-of-cultural-connection/#
I loved this concept of the long grass made out of steel. It creates a false reality that truly embraces the size of the body. It captures the essence of details and scale. The fact the piece is in the middle of the walk way creates a disturbance. This stimulates the viewer to encounter a new world as they walk along on their daily lives. It creates imagination and distracts people from the busyness of life.Ā
https://www.uapcompany.com/studio/reconciliation-place-canberra
There was collection of bug installations made from unique materials scattered amongst the shopping mall of Loganholme Hyperdome. I really like the butterflyĀ installation particularly at night as it accentuated the materiality and colours. These installation pieces creates education through informing the viewer of its life and how the species are endangered. Since the scale is so huge it is hard not to be attracted and lured towards this piece. There was a bee, a fly, a spider (which was creepy) and that was all I could see but I cannot wait to find the next creature and learn more about the species and what unique characteristic they have.Ā
ExperimentationĀ
I already hadĀ an idea of materiality before beginning the experimentation after the proposal concept. However, I was encouraged to try other materials and understand how weaving could be operated. I grabbed some cane and thread and began trying to form a structure with the two. This was a lot harder than I anticipated. The cane was hard to manipulate as it stayed true to its form and the thread kept slipping and did not want to remain where I intended it to. The thing I took from this experiment was the shadows that were created and the thick knots of the thread. I really liked the black thread with the natural cane. I will continue to progress with this juxtaposition in order to capture that history and present cultural and land dynamic I have been passionate about.Ā
I took a walk through Bunnings and found some materials I thought could capture the texture and look of the concept. I found an aqua hose pipe, fly screen pvc lining and large twine. I felt that the final design needed more texture and materiality in comparison of using just steel and wood plus it was a cheaper and more ecologically friendly. I could imagine the larger and real piece people made from recycled bits of this material. I tried to figure out how to weave it all together in order to capture this idea. After a few confused knots and a lot of cutting my fingers instead of the actual material I really embraced the structure of the pipes being the main elements with the fly screen pvc weaving through first in an over and under motion. This was more effective and portrayed the look I was hoping for. After applying the fly screen pvc I used the twine which really created the texture difference amongst the three materials.Ā
During one of the class sessions I tried other materials such as colourful string and clay in order to understand how other materials might interplay with the structure. the clay produced a really interesting effect by being pushed into the pipe. I was sure clay would help within the final idea and concept but it was interesting to see the texture it produced which is one of the things I am really happy about.Ā
I utilised yarn and weaved it in the same motion as the fly screen and found it to be a colourful and tight display. This was very time consuming but the outcome was beautiful and felt nice texturally.Ā I think utilising some colour within the concept will bright up the design in a meaningful way especially with the neutralĀ colour palette of the surrounding site.Ā
I similarly did this with ribbon and was very fond of this idea of interaction and bringing peoples own input within the structure. Perhaps people can bring their own material or learn how to weave through the installation which creates this idea of education which I really love (just like the butterfly installation)Ā
I think if the exterior was plain and delivered this contrast with the interior being very colourful it could demonstrate a surprising aspect making people linger. I also like this idea of a weird big structure that contrast with its environment near the bypass so drivers can be intrigued and want to visit and perhaps embrace nature and history more and take time out of their busy lives to take care of themselves and acknowledge where they are.Ā
After the final presentation someone mentioned it was like a fruit,Ā a melon really plain and boring on the outside but so rich and colourful on the inside. I really loved that visual dynamic and idea.Ā
Final Design
It was hard to capture the essence of this design through the computer in order to deliver the organic natural and weaving aspects. Lesson to be learnt is, that it is okay to draw the final idea and it mightĀ be more helpful to draw it out to get the idea across.Ā
The pavilion is a structure that includes interaction. Where people come and tie a provided or bring their own fabric or ribbon to reminisce on the land and history or even upon themselves and what happened to them in their past. It is about weaving a new identity while still embracing what was once there.Ā
It will be interesting to see the interior over time as people leave their mark on the structure. The variety of colours, patterns, weaving and tying techniques will provide a new identity to the structure. Whether it wears over time or explodes with colour it will be interesting to see.Ā
Many other elements such as light, shadow and wind will play interesting roles towards the meaning and dynamic aspect of the pavilion. I want to see how people will interact with it. Whether they are careful or rough if they embrace it or ignore it. Whether the flora and fauna interact with it and make it their own home. It would be so interesting to see the ibis make aĀ nest of it. AlthoughĀ bird poop wont make it too pleasant.Ā
Lighting within the structure during night will illuminate it inside creating a lantern of sorts. How will the colours look then?Ā
How long will people linger in the area? Will they see it on the bypass? Will they be curious and have a look? Would they remember the land? And enjoy the child like imagination? What will it look like when it is wet?Ā
Sketch Up
I struggled to present my concept on sketch up but wanted to capture the height, placement and overall theme. In future I should begin this earlier so it could help within the process of the final design.Ā
