A three-dimensional, interactive photographic sculpture will be a key piece in the upcoming Melba pathway in Coldstream.
Photographer James Voller has been selected to install Future’s Past at the Coldstream Melba Connection Project site, which will connect the Melba estate with the Coldstream shopping precinct.
Mr Voller said the work would create the illusion of an early European shelter on the nature strip at the north end of town.
“The work places an image of a hut from the Yarra Valley, prior to Coldstream’s settlement, onto the site,” he said.
“The photograph will be printed into glass, cut out and placed onto a steel frame, creating a three-dimensional work.
“The work is interactive, as viewers can walk into the sculpture.
“The transparency of the work will allow the viewer to look through photographs of the past in order to prompt an examination about what the future relationship between the town and landscape holds.”
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the work would be visible from Maroondah Highway and would attract tourists and residents walking through the town.
“The Coldstream Melba Connect Project will connect two of the main areas in town, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to wander through Coldstream and see more of what it has to offer,” she said.
“Mr Voller’s sculpture will be a striking piece of public artwork, one that is sure to catch the attention of visitors and add to the unique experience of coming to the Yarra Valley.
“I look forward to the installation of this artwork, and the completion of the Melba Connect Project in April 2019.”
Artists sent in expressions of interest in being part of the Coldstream Public Sculpture Project.
It evolved from Coldstream Voice, who approached Boral for funding for the sculpture.
The themes for the sculpture emerged from stories and ideas shared by the community as part of the Coldstream Stories project, an arts project funded by the council’s community grants.
Boral Australia provided $50,000 for the community to commission an artist to develop the artwork.
Boral Quarries also provided crushed rock for the pathway.
Boral Quarries general manager Peter Head said he hoped the project would produce a local iconic artwork that residents would be proud of.
