Poly’s public art contribution

Docklands’ public art initiative will continue with a contribution from Poly Australia’s 1000 La Trobe Street dedicated to the site’s industrial and rail history.

Perth artist Stuart Green was chosen to design and create the sprawling artwork, with a seven-metre-high sculpture centrepiece.

“The site was formerly cut through with branching rail lines linking the docks to the rest of the state,” Mr Green said.

“The new artwork draws on the parallel character of these travel lines cutting through the space to create a tall looped path in heavy metal and segmented colour.”

“The resulting sculpture is massive but silent, with the curves having a bodily muscular sense as the eye follows the form through its swoop and tangle with the enveloping space.”

A combination of red hues and a few grey tangencies will illuminate at night, retelling the times gone by of train lights irradiating the depot into the night through an abstract emulation.

A puzzle-like structure will intertwine steel tubular columns, resembling rhythm and sculptural mass in a striking loop formation said to imitate the train carriages that frequented the tracks of the area.

Poly Victoria executive director Steve Wang said the concept from Mr Green was a standout due to its mindful integration of the site’s history.

“As Melbourne’s key destination connecting the city to the sea, 1000 La Trobe plays tribute to the historical importance of the site through its design,” he said.

“It will now be further illustrated through Green’s abstract imitation of the railway and its interconnectivity.”

“It was important to us that the design showcased a synergy with our building and the precinct it will stand in for years to come through a unique formation that will instigate curiosity and conversation.”