Urban Serenity: Illuminating Moments of Calm
Test Sites Application July 2023
Urban Serenity: Illuminating Moments of Calm is an evocative art project seeking to infuse moments of calm and reflection into the bustling urban landscape of Melbourne. The installation will comprise a captivating series of light sculptures strategically positioned on the transitory State Library forecourt, bathing the audience in a soothing hue of pink light. Extensive psychological research confirms that exposure to pink for more than 8 seconds induces a tranquillizing embodied affect on individuals, encouraging relaxation and introspection. By immersing commuters in this mesmerizing pink environment during their daily journeys, the artwork aims to provide a brief yet profound respite from the relentless rush of the city. It aspires to create a sanctuary of serenity, inviting passersby to pause, contemplate, and find solace amidst the constant urban hustle, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the urban surroundings.
Exploration of Place
Drawings of the flow of pedestrians at the site for 1 minute at 5pm, conducted during a series of walks and time spent on site.
Pedestrian count at the State Library site from the City of Melbourne Pedestrian Counting System. This show the high number of hourly visitors to the site and the peak after sunset at 5.30pm. The total visitors to the site over the last month averages to over 50,000 people per day.
Past Light Artworks & TESTS
The below photographs and videos are a selection of past light artworks I have exhibited which will act as inspiration for the artwork which I will create through the Test Sites Program. In addition I have included a selection of material and light tests which I have completed recently which would inform the artwork.
Past Public Artworks
Historically through my art practice, my public artworks have been quite seperate to my sculptural artworks. Through this test project, I would aim to merge the two sections of my art practice. Below you can see some examples of my past public artworks, including: playable artwork designed to connect strangers ConnectUs Games (2022 & 2023); digital social media filter to replicate in our photographs the effect of covid lockdowns corona.b.normal (2021); and website/book The Silver Lining (2020) which collated positive stories from social media and redistributed them to act as inspiration.
