The rivers are running

The rivers are running

Victoria’s Harbour’s public art ‘The Rivers Runs Through It’ was officially unveiled last month.

Mark Stoner’s vast artwork at Collins Landing on the western end of the ANZ Centre received critical acclaim at the event on July 20.

Hassell architects managing director Rob Backhouse described the work as “unparalleled”.

“It is so immersive and grand in its attempt to create a whole experience for people to engage in,” he said.

Mr Backhouse spoke of the journey to create the ANZ Centre which started in 2005.  “This is the full stop,” she said. “It’s the last thing to be completed.”

Public art consultant Sue Clark described it as “majestic”.  She said this was because it was both magic and magnificent.

Mr Stoner was commissioned in December 2008 by Lend Lease and VicUrban to develop an integrated urban artwork.

He is a lecturer at the Department of Sculpture and Spatial Practice at VCA and has exhibited nationally over the last 20 years. Stoner’s works have also featured in 12 state and regional galleries as well as the National Gallery of Australia.

Commenting on The Rivers Runs Through It, Mr Stoner said it responded to the site and borrows from the flow and timelessness of the Yarra River.

“The site is a confluence of physical forces, the water flowing downstream and wind blowing upstream from the west. It is a collision of water, wind and sun,” Mr Stoner said.

Lend Lease’s Victoria Harbour project director Ellie Schwab said Mr Stoner’s installation represented a significant milestone in the evolution of the Victoria Harbour public realm.

“Stoner’s artwork truly captures the essence of Victoria Harbour and its relationship to the natural environment. Its wonderfully organic formations are a showcase of how public art can contribute to the evolution of a city’s built form,” she said.

“Set between Melbourne’s premier street, Collins St and the bank of the Yarra, Stoner’s installation will be a celebration of Melbourne’s rich cultural heritage,” Ms Schwab said.

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