Kangaroo Point Park
Process and outcomes
In June 2009 the Department of Public Works published an Expression of Interest (EOI) to attract Australian and international artists to create a major sculpture for a newly developed park at Kangaroo Point. 66 submissions were received and assessed by a public art selection panel who shortlisted four submissions at a meeting in August 2009. These four shortlisted artists then presented their concept designs at the art+place Curatorial Panel (the Panel) meeting on 4 December 2009. The Panel considered each submission, assessed and rated them according to criteria relating to artistic merit, methodology, experience, technical skills, track record and management.
After careful consideration, the Panel believed that two of the shortlisted design concepts were worthy of the commission and would be presented to the public to have their say via Artpoll. The concept with the most votes will be awarded the commission and be installed at the park at Kangaroo Point in 2010.
On 9 December 2009 the Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh announced that ‘[i]t is only fitting that Queenslanders should be able to have a say in a major work of public art that will be a centre piece of this beautiful new green space in one of the best locations in our city.’
Following is a summary of Panel assessments.
Alex Pentek: ‘Kangaroo’
This concept design scored high on artistic merit and technical innovation. The artist has a significant track record and experience of managing projects of a similar scale in an international context. The Curatorial Panel were impressed by the sculpture's big, bold ‘pop art’ feel, noted that the origami folds of Corten A grade steel would reflect light at any time of day, would provide shade for visitors and a striking focal point that could be seen from many sight lines. The Panel also commented that the material used has resonance with the shipyard that was in the vicinity last century, and its colour would integrate well with the cliff face as it stands today. As a natural material, the steel would weather and respond to the site over time.
Wolfgang Buttress: ‘Venus rising: out of the water and into the light’
This concept design made reference to and provided a conceptual link between the river, the cliffs and the grass of the park. The Curatorial Panel noted the artist's desire to engage with a concept of universal beauty based on natural forms, as the sculpture references the intersecting rings of a nautilus shell. The lace-like structure and cast glass prisms stand as a beacon at the park’s entry. From a distance the form appears simple, and its detail is revealed only on closer inspection. The concept design scored highly on artistic merit and technical innovation, with the artist's experience and excellent track record also taken into consideration.
Wendy Mills: ‘The water beacon’
This concept design was proposed for the high end of the park, and was posed as a dramatic element against the sky. The Curatorial Panel noted that this concept design, based on an old-fashioned Queensland water tank, would be seen to its best advantage at night, when the lighting was most effective. The Panel noted that significant ongoing maintenance was required to keep the sculpture in pristine, working order. The proposal scored well on project management but did not score as highly on artistic merit when compared with the two selected designs. As a result, this proposal was not included in the final shortlist of two.
Tony Stallard: ‘Flinders’ tree’
This concept design is noted for its use of an innovative lighting system, inclusion of the astronomical system particular to the southern hemisphere – the Southern Cross constellation – and is inspired by the fig trees commonly found in Brisbane parks. The design comprises a bronze Fig tree-like form with interactive lighting within a landscaped setting and would be most effective at night. The design did not score as highly on artistic merit when compared with the two selected designs and the Panel noted there would be ongoing requirements to maintain the illumination effectively. As a result, this proposal was not included in the final shortlist of two.
Process and outcomes
In June 2009 the Department of Public Works published an Expression of Interest (EOI) to attract Australian and international artists to create a major sculpture for a newly developed park at Kangaroo Point. 66 submissions were received and assessed by a public art selection panel who shortlisted four submissions at a meeting in August 2009. These four shortlisted artists then presented their concept designs at the art+place Curatorial Panel (the Panel) meeting on 4 December 2009. The Panel considered each submission, assessed and rated them according to criteria relating to artistic merit, methodology, experience, technical skills, track record and management.
After careful consideration, the Panel believed that two of the shortlisted design concepts were worthy of the commission and would be presented to the public to have their say via Artpoll. The concept with the most votes will be awarded the commission and be installed at the park at Kangaroo Point in 2010.
On 9 December 2009 the Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh announced that ‘[i]t is only fitting that Queenslanders should be able to have a say in a major work of public art that will be a centre piece of this beautiful new green space in one of the best locations in our city.’
Following is a summary of Panel assessments.
Alex Pentek: ‘Kangaroo’
This concept design scored high on artistic merit and technical innovation. The artist has a significant track record and experience of managing projects of a similar scale in an international context. The Curatorial Panel were impressed by the sculpture's big, bold ‘pop art’ feel, noted that the origami folds of Corten A grade steel would reflect light at any time of day, would provide shade for visitors and a striking focal point that could be seen from many sight lines. The Panel also commented that the material used has resonance with the shipyard that was in the vicinity last century, and its colour would integrate well with the cliff face as it stands today. As a natural material, the steel would weather and respond to the site over time.
Wolfgang Buttress: ‘Venus rising: out of the water and into the light’
This concept design made reference to and provided a conceptual link between the river, the cliffs and the grass of the park. The Curatorial Panel noted the artist's desire to engage with a concept of universal beauty based on natural forms, as the sculpture references the intersecting rings of a nautilus shell. The lace-like structure and cast glass prisms stand as a beacon at the park’s entry. From a distance the form appears simple, and its detail is revealed only on closer inspection. The concept design scored highly on artistic merit and technical innovation, with the artist's experience and excellent track record also taken into consideration.
Wendy Mills: ‘The water beacon’
This concept design was proposed for the high end of the park, and was posed as a dramatic element against the sky. The Curatorial Panel noted that this concept design, based on an old-fashioned Queensland water tank, would be seen to its best advantage at night, when the lighting was most effective. The Panel noted that significant ongoing maintenance was required to keep the sculpture in pristine, working order. The proposal scored well on project management but did not score as highly on artistic merit when compared with the two selected designs. As a result, this proposal was not included in the final shortlist of two.
Tony Stallard: ‘Flinders’ tree’
This concept design is noted for its use of an innovative lighting system, inclusion of the astronomical system particular to the southern hemisphere – the Southern Cross constellation – and is inspired by the fig trees commonly found in Brisbane parks. The design comprises a bronze Fig tree-like form with interactive lighting within a landscaped setting and would be most effective at night. The design did not score as highly on artistic merit when compared with the two selected designs and the Panel noted there would be ongoing requirements to maintain the illumination effectively. As a result, this proposal was not included in the final shortlist of two.