Mover over Perth Cactus.
Introducing Spanda Elizabeth Quay – A new, 8 storey, $1.3 million sculpture feature that will help define the new face of Perth.
The 29-metre sculpture is designed to represent ripples and to link the Swan River, land and sky has been selected as the major artwork at Elizabeth Quay.
Spanda is by Western Australian-born and internationally-renowned artist, Christian de Vietri, who created Ascalon with Marcus Canning, the iconic artwork outside St George’s Cathedral in Perth.
“I explicitly didn’t want to create a work that was purely representational — it’s my feeling that that would have locked into the work a specific meaning,” de Vietri told ABC News Perth.
“I would like people to be able to come to the work with their own interpretations as well as the means and the intentions that I have.”
Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the work was as tall as an eight-storey building and would create a dramatic entry statement to the public realm at Elizabeth Quay.
“Spanda is a contemporary and striking piece by one of this State’s most renowned artists,” Mr Day said.
“I greatly admire Christian’s work and was delighted when I heard one of his sculptures would feature at Elizabeth Quay.
“The work is tall enough for people to walk under and will be seen from wherever you stand in the precinct. I imagine that Spanda will become one of those iconic photo opportunities, not only for visitors to the quay but for visitors to the entire State.”
The $1.3 million sculpture is made from steel and carbon fibre and will be located on The Landing at the northern end of the quay.
The Minister said the Percent for Art Scheme worked to ensure that major projects delivered value to the community through the addition of public art and greater opportunities for artists.
“Spanda is one of 10 public artworks to be commissioned as part of the $4 million public art program at Elizabeth Quay,” he said.
“Each piece will reflect some aspect of the history of the area and enrich the visitor experience, bringing a point of difference to our city’s new public space. They also provide unique opportunities for local artists to be involved in the project.
“Art can greatly enhance public spaces, creating a talking and meeting point for the community. The Percent for Art Scheme ensures public art is an important component of the major projects under way in this State.”
Video : Spanda Elizabeth Quay by the MRA
What does Perth say about Spanda Elizabeth Quay?
For more on Spanda and Elizabeth Quay http://www.elizabethquay.wa.gov.au
