Connection

The City of Victor Harbor have commissioned a piece of public art from local artist Matt Turley for the newly developed Railway Plaza.

Matt’s career as a public artist has blossomed over the past two years with commissions at the City of Holdfast Bay, Brighton Jetty Sculptures, and United Communities and Kildare College. In June this year, the City of Victor Harbor commissioned Matt Turley to create an art piece on the Whalers Well at the bottom of the Bluff. Matt’s background in designing, fabricating and commissioning products and projects for clients in the building, marine, mining, government and defence sectors has equipped him well to design and deliver large scale outcomes for the public realm.

In creating a piece for Railway Plaza, Turley drew inspiration from viewing the steam locomotive as a myriad of unique parts coming together to work in harmony. Titled Connection, the work explores the notion of individual entities, unique in their own design and purpose, coming together, connecting, to create something greater. It forms a sense of place, while remaining true to the history that inspired its design.

The City of Victor Harbor’s Arts and Culture Advisory Group, who selected the work through a competitive commissioning process, found the scale of the work to be impressive and felt it would be informative to a broad range of visitors. Connection presents multiple opportunities for interaction from children, to those looking for a great photo opportunity. Turley’s careful consideration of light and shadow in the design provides the space with a sense of theatre, offering changing perspectives through the day and into the evening.

View concept images below