Puzzled commuters have 15 years to solve the mystery of “the man with the chair” at Footscray station.
For two hours every Thursday morning, for the next 15 years Seddon performer David Wells will conduct an experiment in public art known as Weekly Ticket.
Co-creators Madeleine Flynn and Tim Humphrey say the idea was hatched a number of years ago following a call for artists to create a public artwork as part of the redeveloped Footscray station.
Flynn says their eye was caught by the mention of a 15-year “maintenance budget” for the artwork.
“In a way that was a provocation, to consider what if the artwork was a performance that is based in time, something that is based somewhere and runs for that length of time.”
The concept was shared with Seddon performer David Wells who jumped at the opportunity to be involved.
“His local community means a lot to him and when we proposed this to David he said ‘this is my dream job’.”
While many commuters may only see the performance once and wonder what it’s about, others will grow familiar with its recurring presence and may begin to engage in different ways.
Humphrey says over time guest artists from across the globe will be invited to take part, but for now Wells is slowly establishing a space he will inhabit for the long haul.
Wells says he didn’t have to think twice about committing to a project that began in February and will run until 2031.
“As soon as we talked about it, it was the most exciting thing I could think of doing, it’s such an audacious idea but it’s been a very enjoyable gig for me.”
He says he was drawn to both the creative challenge and interactive nature of the project.
“The reception I have been getting …is fantastic, people of all types and all ages have been coming up to me and talking about what I’m doing.”
Details: weeklyticket.org
