Laura Michell
A new public art installation in South Morang has brought the outdoors indoors.
Curated by Whittlesea council staff, the interactive installation, Listening to the Land, centres around a running stream by landscape artist Vin Anderson.
Taking its cues from patterns found in local landscapes, the artwork invites visitors to reflect on the role of nature in our human experience.
The installation is a safe space for people to feel inspired in the shadow of COVID-19, according to council.
Mr Anderson said the installation aimed to bring inside the nature residents have discovered while taking short walks in lockdown.
“We want to reflect what people have been finding, particularly in the last 12 months, down these little streams, nooks and crannies around their own area,” he said.
“We’ve brought in some sights and sounds, bush, trees, some noise with the water, smell with the eucalyptus, everything is sourced locally and will all go into another project next.
“I’d like people to walk in the door and say ‘wow’, and then feel something different, smell something different and then from there hopefully reflect.”
Visitors may sit by Solace Stream, watch Birrarung by Maudie Palmer and dream into Mernda & Yan Yean by Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson, and enjoy Untitled Eucalypt Tree by Simeon Walker.
A program of creative workshops, intimate performances and cultural activities will be offered alongside the installation, including screenings of the internationally successful film, Small Island Big Song. To book, visit: t arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Listening to the Land is open 10am-4pm weekdays at The Great Hall, 25 Ferres Boulevard, until May 21.
