An art exhibition opening this week in Melbourne showcases changes in Melbourne’s geology in a collaboration between consulting firm Golder and temporary art space Testing Grounds.
The exhibition, titled ‘Turning Digital Geology into Art: an underground journey into Melbourne’s arts precinct’, utilises geological data and samples from geotechnical investigations undertaken at the Testing Grounds site.
While the scans and analyses were undertaken for a client to the site, modelling consultants from Golder have created 3D-printed models from these that will be displayed to showcase the evolution of the site’s geology over the last 3.5 million years.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Golder in such a creative way to educate the public on the amazing geology of our site, the arts precinct and the city of Melbourne, and to support established and emerging local artists,” said Testing Grounds Project Director and Curator, Arie Rain-Glorie.
Melbourne artist and designer Tarryn Handcock will be populating Testing Grounds with ‘soft rocks, faux minerals, precious dust, and plastiglomerate propositions for the new geological age,’ responding to the models with a fashion practice.
Testing Grounds’ own landscape architect Louella Exton is also responding to the geological data with collage and two-dimensional works, according to material released by Testing Grounds.
Andrew Russell, Principal and Regional Leader at Golder in Victoria said that Testing Grounds’ site geology is quite complex.
“Melbourne’s arts precinct is unique given the level of historic borehole information available as a result of geotechnical investigations undertaken by Golder in the area since 1969, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase our technical excellence as art, support the arts community, and help educate the public,” he said.
The exhibition opens today and will run until August 30, with free entry.
Stay up to date by getting stories like this delivered to your mailbox.
Sign up to receive our free weekly Spatial Source newsletter.
