Beautiful works give city shapely transformation

FIVE new works of public art are brightening up the city landscape.

The two new sculptures, Sphere and Infinity II, were installed in recent weeks, adding to the existing three statues erected in the past two months and linking in with the council’s recent revitalisation of central Geelong.

The arts overhaul is part of a $173,000 spending spree by the local and state governments on Geelong’s Arts and Culture Trail initiative.

Linking the new public artworks, the Geelong council yesterday released its new Geelong Arts and Culture Trails app, which offers a map and walking tracks around Geelong’s top cultural landmarks.

Infinity II, on the corner of Moorabool and Myers streets, represents past, present and future, and the inevitable amalgamation of all three, as well as the history and strength of our country and culture, and the promise of the future, said artist Lachlan Ross.

“I can see a regenerating Geelong in regards to the beauty of the local area,” Carolyn Salkeld, of Leopold, said.

Rescue, sitting on the corner of Cunningham St and Western Beach Rd, comprises seven ships and is symbolic of the seven continents being pulled from the sea in an act of rescue.

Artists Julie Collins and Derek John said the work asks what role people play in tackling key issues such as climate change, poverty, migration, population and consumer waste.

Me, Myself and iPhone, on the corner of Brougham and Moorabool streets, addresses the public’s obsession with social media, says artist and creator Anne Anderson.

When asked about its meaning, Steve Doyle, of Brisbane, commented, “I think it reflects the insular nature of people today.”

Sphere, created by Lachlan Ross, on the corner of Mercer St and Railway Tce, is a sculpture described as being dedicated to the power and prominence of the sphere in our world, conjuring a variety of images ranging from the planets to the womb.

Holly, of Whittington, commented on the artwork, “I like it. It looks like it’s made up of leaves, which could represent the fragility of the environment and our world.”

Whereas Andrew Kasper, the artist behind Tranquility, placed on the corner of Ryrie St, Swanton St and Sydney Pde, wants people to feel peacefulness as they pass by.

“It’s a beautiful squiggle” said Farah, from Waurn Ponds.

The new arts trail app was released yesterday.