Local residents have the opportunity to choose a new artwork for the high-profile Cockburn Station Tower, with the infamous Cockburn Faces now officially a thing of the past.
Three artworks designed by local Western Australian artists have been shortlisted for community feedback.
The art pieces have been created by WA artists Penny Bovell and John Toohey, Kerise Delcoure, and Midvale company Signs and Lines and, coincidentally, each artwork features an interpretation of the Western Australian Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
The most popular piece will replace the long-standing Cockburn Faces artworks, removed in 2019 due to their deteriorating condition, well known to Kwinana Freeway commuters.
Everyone is invited to vote for their favourite in a public poll which opened today (December 12). To complete the poll, which closes at 5pm on January 15, 2021, click here.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Cockburn Station tower is a well-known landmark and it’s important we have a piece of art that reflects Western Australia.
“We gave each artist a blank canvas and each of them have come back to us with their own interpretation of Western Australian fauna and flora – coincidentally each artwork features the Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
“Each of these pieces of art are quintessentially Western Australian and highlight how important nature reserves such as the Beeliar Wetlands are to the community.
“This artwork is something the Cockburn community and local commuters – both on road and by public transport – will be able to enjoy for years to come and I encourage everyone to have their say by voting.”
As stated by Cockburn MLA Francis Logan:
“There have been many achievements that I helped make possible in my 20 years as the Member for Cockburn, but having played a role in getting those Cockburn tower faces replaced would have to be one of the top 10.
“It is now up to the people of Cockburn and freeway users to choose wisely among the three artworks and to consider very carefully what future generations may think.
“I hope we never again have a piece of art that was weird, confusing and frankly a little creepy for the people of Cockburn and drivers on the freeway.”
As stated by Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai:
“The Cockburn Faces were quite the talking point for residents, and they will be sorely missed.
“We’d like to include residents in choosing a suitable replacement that showcases our State’s landscape, flora and fauna from the works of WA artists Penny Bovell and John Toohey, Kerise Delcoure and Midvale company Signs and Lines.
“A massive congratulations to the creators of the three art pieces.”
