A new public art installation unveiled at the City of Whittlesea last night has brought the outdoors indoors.
Curated by Council staff the interactive instillation, Listening to Land, centres around a real running stream by landscape artist Vin Anderson.
A year ago, life as we knew it went into hibernation and we were asked to isolate in response to COVID-19. Over summer, we woke from this hibernation.
What has changed? What is still changing? What can return to the way it was? What needs to stay changed? And what of the planet? And our lives?
Taking its cues from patterns found in local landscapes, the artwork invites visitors to reflect on the role of nature in our human experience.
Mr Anderson said the idea was to bring inside the nature residents have discovered while taking short walks in lockdown.
"We want to reflect what people have been finding, particularly in the last 12 months, down these little streams, nooks and crannies around their own area," Mr Anderson said.
"We've brought in some sights and sounds, bush, trees, some noise with the water, smell with the eucalyptus, everything is sourced locally and will all go into another project next.
"I'd like people to walk in the door and say 'Wow', and then feel something different, smell something different and then from there hopefully reflect."
The instillation is safe space for people to feel inspired in the shadow of Covid-19.
Visitors may sit by Solace Stream, watch Birrarung by Maudie Palmer and dream into Mernda & Yan Yean by Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson, and enjoy Untitled Eucalypt Tree by Simeon Walker.
A program of creative workshops, intimate performances and cultural activities will be offered alongside this installation, including screenings of the internationally successful film, Small Island Big Song. Spaces are limited so book now at arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Now open 10am to 4pm weekdays until 21 May 2021 at The Great Hall, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, Listening to Land is free and everyone is welcome.
