A contemporary public art program returns in March, paying tribute to the Altona Meadows land artwork created in 1998 by New York-based environmental artist Agnes Denes.
Dear Agnes features new site-specific works by 12 artists and collectives that pay homage to the land artwork A Forest for Australia, and respond to local landscapes and environmental themes.
The exhibition will be held within the heritage buildings and grounds of Altona’s Truganina Explosives Reserve, just one kilometre from Denes’ land artwork.
The exhibition program follows the 2023 exhibition that celebrated A Forest for Australia’s 25th anniversary.
In 1998, the Australia Council commissioned Denes, one of the world’s leading environmental artists, to create the work, a ‘forest’ of 6000 endangered tree species planted into five spirals in Altona Meadows.
While the combination of soil type, plant species and the ravages of a decade-long drought saw the forest struggle to flourish initially, over the past decade a rejuvenation project has brought new life to the original site, which is on land owned by Greater Western Water (GWW).
GWW, along with RMIT and Deakin universities, have partnered with Hobsons Bay council to present the exhibition.
“I am delighted Dear Agnes is back again after a successful 2023 exhibition,” Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said.
“The exhibition not only showcases contemporary art, but gives locals and visitors a chance to experience a unique heritage site in Hobsons Bay.
“We are proud of our reputation as a creative city in Hobsons Bay. Hosting exhibitions such as Dear Agnes only further enhances that.”
Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/DearAgnes
