photographic seats initiative intro

There had been an installation of two seats with photographic panels installed into the redeveloped Veterans Memorial Reserve in Nelson St, Angle Park, as part of an earlier project to commemorate Australians' contribution to various conflicts.

These seats were used as a starting point for a commissioned initiative for the Parks Helix Project, overseen by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. I was engaged initially as the project coordinator, then as the artist. The first stage of my role included research and development of the seat design, sourcing manufacturers and obtaining quotes and design specifications for approval by the Parks Helix Project Management Group and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Public Art Committee. Many ideas were explored before narrowing the options to the final choice. Some of the challenges were budget considerations, time constraints, the requirement for a photographic panel to be part of the seat, desire for a 'classy' design and perceptions about what would be acceptable to the local community.

The concept of placing photographic seats along the walking trail at two specified places on Stuart St and Parker St, provides opportunities to create an artistic reflection on the three years of the Parks Helix project. It is also a chance to share the connections created within the community, while providing a space to sit, relax and rest.

The photographic panels convey a sense of space and place, reflecting on the changes stimulated by the Parks Helix Project. The images draw on existing imagery from project initiatives and incorporate new images inspired by the walking trail, which include elements of mapping.

The seats, photographic panels and concrete slabs all incorporate complementary elements to create one piece of art.