Mirvac’s latest photographic art installation as part of its Urban Art program at Yarra’s Edge in Melbourne’s Docklands has been unveiled.
The spectacular photographic billboard positioned on Tower 1, 60 Lorimer Street, is by renowned Australian artist Julie Rrap. The photograph ‘Castaway 1’ has been selected from Rrap’s photographic series, Escape Artist: Castaway.
The images in the Escape Artist: Castaway series used factual qualities to suggest the power of a real event in support of the imaginary. In isolation each image appeared as a point of intensity that together accumulated a sense of ‘invisible forces’ without reverting to any particular narrative.
Julie states, “The work evolved from a series of ideas that came into focus during its making. Initially I imagined cross-pollination between two different images and scenarios; that of the figures in Gericault’s painting Raft of the Medusa and the figure of Marilyn Monroe in her famous dress and high heels standing over a wind vent in the street. This hybrid in turn spawned a generation of new images and affects; high heel shoes morphed into dissolving ice objects that in turn created new forms such as the image of a raft.”
Rrap’s work is the latest in the Yarra’s Edge Urban Art program, which was chosen through an independent panel of specialist art curators in conjunction with Mirvac, who select works which are both representative of Australian culture and society and are thought provoking for the broader community. As part of this program, the billboard on Tower 1 (60 Lorimer Street) exhibits a new static image every 12 months and has been dedicated to contemporary Australian photographic art.
The current curatorial theme is ‘Edge of Time and Tide’ as a means to activate dialogue within themes of time, memory, presence/absence and the visible/invisible. The current image is the eighth installed to date.
The Urban Art program adds value to residents and those visiting Yarra’s Edge in creating a stimulating site journey around the precinct. There is a range of different art expressions to be viewed, from iconic large scale landmark artworks such as the ‘Webb Bridge’, a sculptural pedestrian bridge to the lighting design composition, ‘Heartland’ a rear illuminated, animated image developed from imprints and earth mouldings taken from the site. In addition, smaller more intimate artworks such as windscreens, water pools as well as ceramic sculptural inlays within the promenade pavement areas encourage contemplation and reflection.
As an increasingly popular Docklands destination, a tour of the precinct’s urban art makes a fabulous weekend outing where people can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade taking in the spectacular city and water views. The selection of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops on the waterfront provide the ideal environment for people to relax and enjoy the stunning display of Urban Art in this precinct.
For further information on Yarra’s Edge Urban Art contact 9645 9400.
