Floating sculptures, decorated trees and hanging fabric installations to celebrate Kinetic: Art That Moves have been unveiled at Kennington Reservoir in Kennington.
Commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo, local artists Yvonne George, Andre Sardone, Roz Effenberg, Sharon Greenaway and Troy Firebrace have created works connected to the ideas of physical and emotional movement and connection in art.
City Creative Communities Coordinator Maree Tonkin said this was an exciting new public installation that complemented Kennington Reservoir’s natural beauty.
“Kinetic: Art That Moves is a wonderful project where the artists draw inspiration from the flora, the movement of water, natural elements and beauty to create a series of installations,” Ms Tonkin said.
“Kinetic comes from the Greek word kinētikos, meaning ‘of motion’. Art can move us in both emotional and physical ways. It prompts people to consider what we see, hear, feel, touch, experience when we are moved by art.
“Professional public artists were invited back in March to be considered for the multi-site temporary public art project and present artworks at Kennington Reservoir during August.
“I congratulate the successful artists who were selected during a competitive creative pitch that involved a panel. Sustainability and care for local landscapes was at the forefront of all the designs for the art created for this project.
“Kinetic brings together floating sculptures, fabric and decorated trees to create thought-provoking installations with recycled materials being used for some installations.
“The works can be seen throughout daylight hours during August and I encourage people to enjoy these unique artworks as they walk or cycle around the reservoir.”
Troy Firebrace’s artworks are co-created by children who attend Shine Bright Kennington Kindergarten and assisted by the City’s First Nations Arts Officer Janet Bromley.
The students created weaving along the kindergarten fence line and assisted Troy Firebrace who painted a series of dead trees found near the kindergarten adjoining the bushland.
Mr Firebrace said the artwork represented the sharing of knowledge from elders to the next generation.
“The large tree stumps along the footpath represents the elders. Their mighty stature above ground level draws your attention, underground, their roots support the earth along the edges of the waterways, holding together the stories of Country,” Mr Firebrace said.
“A chandelier sculpture amongst the water represents the next generation. As they grow, nourished by the water they receive support from the elders who have come before them.”
Andre Sardone said natural elements at the reservoir inspired his floating artworks.
“I am excited by this opportunity to create two public sculptures made from waste materials that float, activated by the wind and movement of the water. I have used degassed professionally cleansed gas bottles, elements cut from washing machines, plastic and bottles in my work,” Mr Sardone said.
Yvonne George said her Infinity installation was made from recycled materials using re-purposed swimming pool noodles, foil and solar powered fairy lights.
“The infinity symbol represents balance, focus, harmony and peace along with many other meanings,” Ms George said.
Roz Effenberg was inspired by Japanese inspired textile and reused existing materials in her installation to give them a new life and keep them out of landfill.
“This installation is hand dyed indigo/shibori silk panels flanked by denim strips that were seams salvaged from old jeans.”
Sharon Greenaway said she was inspired by the fleeting seasons of local flora for her photographic installation.
“These artworks serve to enhance and encourage enjoyment and appreciation of what the flora of Kennington Reservoir and the bush offers,” Ms Greenaway said.
