By Liam McNally
A West Footscray artist has unveiled a sculpture designed to convey transformation within the Altona community was unveiled at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.
West Footscray sculptor Jos Van Hulsen created ‘Transcendence’ from recycled materials from the Altona refinery.
Van Hulsen is a Netherlands-born artist who moved to Australia in 1978.
He called the creation process of ‘Transcendence’ a “wonderful experience”.
According to Van Hulsen, the concept behind the design was rebirth as a metaphor for creativity and new beginnings.
He said it captured the idea of change by transforming industrial equipment into something “ready to breathe again”, reflects the local environment by imitating “conglomerations of waves and molluscs” and shows wave-like movement in the way it has been welded.
Van Hulsen said he had always loved the Altona area.
“I usually go for big walks with my dogs,” he said.
“I love going to the pier here in summer and doing bombs off it.”
Altona-Mobil commissioned the piece and had staff present at the unveiling event on Wednesday, September 21 along with members of the community.
Exxon Mobil South Pacific fuels operations manager John Bourke said they commissioned the piece “to commemorate the transition from a refinery to a terminal, and to recognise the legacy of the refinery, and the 70 years that we’ve operated in Altona and contributed to the local economy and the community here.”
In a speech at the event, Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre manager Karen Ingram said the piece nods to the working class history of the town, as well as the transformation of the community centre building from a hospital.
She said it embodies “what it was, what it is, and what it is yet to become.”
“The materials from the former Altona refinery being used in the sculpture is a great way to ensure its legacy remains a part of the community,” Ms Ingram said.
Details: www.ljac.com.au or josvanhulsen.squarespace.com
