Federation Square presents Posted – It’s what was written! a unique interactive art installation by Sandra Tobias based on the fading art form of the letter – giving Melburnians an opportunity to communicate – the old fashioned way!
The latest instalment in Fed Square’s on-going public art program OCCUPY: Art in Strange Places, Posted – It’s what was written! incorporates a collection of 50 letterboxes created from found and recycled material.
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Fed Square Chief Executive Officer, Kate Brennan, said, “The OCCUPY program has recently presented works by emerging artist, Clare McCracken including Urban Gifts –a series of recycled metcards and Throne – toilet cubicles decorated in the style of prerevolutionary France. As a key component of Fed Square’s Creative Program, OCCUPY: Art in Strange Places, enables unique site specific installations, sculpture, screen and performative works, as part of our commitment to the artistic community and artistic expression.”
As communication is taken over by technology – the internet, email, mobile phones, MSN, SMS – Sandra Tobias set out to revive the symbolism of the letter and letterbox.
“As letter writing borders on extinction, I wanted to record the spirit of the letterbox and asked people to reflect upon their own personal stories,” said Sandra Tobias.
“Found at the communication crossroad of lonely dirt stretches and dusty tracks, rural letterboxes are pointers to our past. Structures of communication relied upon for news, deliveries, pick-ups, sometimes providing the only real connection to the outside world.”
Posted, it’s what was written! incorporates the many innovative designs of remote and rural letterboxes, symbols of the difference between city streets and country landscapes.
Using recycled materials from tips, rubbish days and cast-offs, Tobias has reshaped and reformed discarded objects to create original and exquisite pieces of art.
“In the past people made do with what they had, if a letterbox was needed, people would use whatever was lying around to provide a venue for the written form,” reflects Tobias.
From old metal milk drums to paint tins and gas bottles, Posted- It’s what was written! showcases a unique array of materials given new life to accommodate the written word.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in the installation, to sit at the writing desk, write a postcard to a loved one and post it in the Australia Post post-box provided.
The installation also incorporates a three minute film playing on the ‘Big Screen’ at Fed Square of Sandra Tobias’ interviews with rural families and their letterboxes.
Posted – It’s what was written!
Dates: Thursday, 6 August to Thursday, 27 August 2009
Location: Upper Square, Federation Square
Cost: Free
For further information please visit www.fedsquare.com
