An artistic exploration

An artistic exploration

The many layers and threads of Docklands’ past and present will be pulled together this month in a unique art event.

Confluence: Art on site in Docklands will take attendees on a two-hour guided walk through a series of artworks responding to the heritage of Docklands.

Key ideas explored by the artworks will include Docklands as a site of transition, migration and arrival.

Wynter Projects and The Front have curated the work, the latter of which was based in Docklands until recently as part of the Docklands Spaces project.

According to Deb Bain-King of The Front, the idea of the walk is using the area around Victoria Harbour as a site for art making.

“It has a really rich history and there are so many layers and threads to it,” Ms Bain-King said. “This project is called ‘confluence’ because it brings together so many threads of the history as well as the present.”

The walk itself has been in the making for at least 18 months, with the idea emerging when The Front was first established at Harbour Town.

“Melbourne’s a young city and all the transition it’s been through can be seen here,” Ms Bain-King said.

“That’s what I like about Docklands – it’s not totally been covered over yet. Even though a lot has been taken out, if you look it’s still there and the stories are still there.”

Beginning at Ron Barassi Senior Park, the walk will move around the waterfront, with different art works focusing on different themes. Artist Dagmara Gieysztor’s piece will focus on the question of how most Australians and their ancestors travelled to Australia originally.

She said her contribution to the art walk was part of an ongoing paper boat project she has been working on for the past three years.

“The context of this is that I’m a refugee. I didn’t come by boat, but I know a lot of people who have. Being in Docklands there’s a history of people working on boats and a big relationship with boating life and the Docklands,” Ms Gieysztor said.

Other pieces featured in the art walk will include a sculptural work exploring where the timber that created the docks came from and a performance piece reflecting on the sense of loss people experience when they leave their home and come to a new country. The walk will also feature video work and an audio piece.

Confluence: Art on site in Docklands will take place in Docklands on March 19 from 2pm, commencing at Ron Barassi Senior Park.

Tickets are $15 and can be bought at http://www.wynterprojects.com/bookhere/confluence

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