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MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
RMIT art on show at Shanghai World Expo
An innovative, international artistic collaboration led by RMIT University and East
China Normal University will be one of the highlights of Australia’s cultural
contribution to the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
The Meridians – Shanghai 2010: Transdisciplinary Art and Sound in Public Space
Project (Meridians) is a satellite site showcasing Victorian arts and culture through
public art.
Meridians launches in Shanghai tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 May, during Victoria Week
(17 to 22 May), at East China Normal University’s School of Art and was developed
by RMIT postgraduate students Tammy Wong and Clare Leporati.
Coordinator of Public Art in RMIT’s School of Art, Geoff Hogg, said the project
researched connections between public urban contemporary art and international
collaborative practice.
“After months of hard work, the end result will be a unique and inventive
contemporary art intervention that has been conceived and produced by an
intercultural team of Chinese and Australian artists. It’s a fantastic example of the
ways art can bring people together, building ties and establishing lasting
connections through the creative process,” Mr Hogg said.
Australian lead artist and RMIT alumnus, Cameron Robbins, will create an
installation made up of a series of complex, wind-powered drawing machines and
is hoping to incorporate calligraphy into the work using Chinese brushes.
“This is the biggest and most elaborate overseas project I’ve worked on. After our
initial research trip to Shanghai, the sheer complexity and scale of the city actually
made me feel more ambitious. I felt I had to come up with something that reflected
that sort of energy,” he said.
Mr Robbins has spent more than 20 years developing his unique outdoor drawing
machines, which combine wind, paper, pen, pulleys, weathervanes and drawing
arms to produce works that are literally created by the weather.
“The most exciting thing is coming back to see how the drawing has taken shape
as there’s always a real element of surprise,” he said.
The Meridians project is in partnership with the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry
and Regional Development (DIIRD). It is also supported by the Australian International Cultural
Council and Australia China Council, initiatives of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade.
For interviews or comment: RMIT University Coordinator Public Art, Geoff
Hogg, 0413 624 83; or Tammy Wong or Clare Leporati, 0011 86 1871 797 0129.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Deborah
Sippitts, (03) 9925 3116 or 0429 588 869.
17 May, 2010
NEWS 
