Robbie Rowlands’ latest art installation was created from only the materials at the site of the old community hall and church in central Dandenong.A SMALL disused community hall and church, set to be demolished in central Dandenong, has inspired artist Robbie Rowlands to create his latest artwork.
The Offering will see the old single-storey weatherboard building on the corner of Robinson and George streets transformed into an art installation created from only the materials at the site.
The building, officially opened in 1904, soon will be demolished as part of the George St Bridge project.
Mr Rowlands’ ambitious project reveals the history of the building through exposed layers and sculptural forms that peel and bend the inner surfaces of the building.
The work is made all the more moving as the timber floors had already been removed in anticipation of the demolition, leaving only the supporting stumps and bare earth.
Mr Rowlands said the bare earth presented an ideal opportunity for his work and the community to consider the raw landscape.
“With the roads and buildings removed we are invited to consider if the land alone can retain a kind of memory or is it just defined by the structures we build,” he said.
“I am hoping my work allows the community a chance to reflect on their own connection to the land and to be part of its transition.”
Mr Rowlands’ latest project follows on from his unique art treatment of the Grenda’s Bus Depot during its demolition last year.
His work, The Upholsterer, used the exposed floors and walls of the upholstery workshop to create a piece of artwork that went on to receive national and international acclaim.
The exhibition will also feature a video documentation by Eleni Arbus that covers part of the creation of the work. This will be screened in the adjacent hall during the exhibition.
The project will be officially opened on Saturday 3 October at 2pm, and will run until 11 October.
The site, at 17 Robinson Street Dandenong, will be open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
For details contact 9239 5100 or 0414 015 906.
