JOAN ROSS PAVILION

A conceptual exercise in the translation of art into an interactive experiential design. My pavilion explores the metaphors behind the contemporary work of Joan Ross – specifically the concepts of colonisation, authority and fear.

Divided into two pods, the pavilion echoes the themes of appropriation and dispossession by creating an uncomfortable juxtaposition between the two elements. On the ‘indigenous’ side muted ochre tones and Australian flora co-exist in harmony with the sounds native fauna featuring softly.

On the ‘introduced’ side, however, the use of fluorescent yellow is strong and unavoidable. The Perspex form dominates the eucalyptus-clad indigenous pod and the sounds of western culture – drones, poker machines, mobile phones and reversing trucks – drown out the native fauna. As users enter the introduced pod they have the option to increase or decrease the volume of the ‘western detritus’ as well as change the colour of the LED lights embedded in the native eucalyptus gum at the centre of the indigenous pod effectively controlling the experience of the user inside.

My hope with this installation, much like the work of Joan Ross, was to highlight the impact of western culture and the legacy of colonisation in Australia.

location

I chose to site the Joan Ross pavilion at Dawes Point Park, due to its powerful cultural relevance. It was fitting to locate the pavilion at Australia’s first defence site, under the shadow of the significant construction that is the Harbour Bridge and at the headland of the birthplace of colonial Sydney. In addition, Dawes Point Park is located along the Walsh Bay sculpture walk.