Wexford Apartments

Project Outline

This public artwork is located on the former site of the Government Print Works. Back in a time where lead typesetting was practised and halftone dot-screens were used for image reproduction.

The ink patterns of this artwork are derived from artistic abstraction of historical photographs of early 20th Century Subiaco streets scenes. The patterns were magnified to an extent where the pictures slip from recognisable images into abstracted optical phenomena.

The light creates shadows from the patterns and project onto the footpath, and reversed letters appear “printed” right way around. This reflects the old lead-set type printing method. In contrast, during the daylight hours the building interior is bathed in a spectrum of colours and shifting sun-projected ink shadows.

The original stained glass windows within many private homes around Subiaco inspired the use of glass and light.

The artwork title, SPECTRUM, is a dual reference to the ephemeral phenomenon of light mixing into a spectrum of colours. Within the building by day and out on the street after dark. This artwork was a nod to the historical diversity of the Subiaco community.

Key Partners

Client:
The Wexford Apartments

Artist:
Rick Vermey

Developer/Client:
QUBE

Architect:
EAMES & Associates

Builder:
PACT

Glazier:
Cooling Brothers Glass

Perforated Metal Manufacturer:
Perfmet Engineering

Modelling:
Cartesian Creative Design

Lighting Designer:
Klaasen Lighting Design (KLD)

Electrical Contractor:  
Alan Jones Electrical Services

Photographer:
Ron Tan

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