THE improbable artistic vision of the new structure at Defence Housing Australia’s Liv apartments in Fremantle is becoming a reality for artist Rick Vermey.
Mr Vermey said he began the concept design in 2017 using the Fremantle area as his inspiration.
“Fremantle is famous for its distinctively colourful, vibrant, gritty, slightly bohemian and artsy character,” he said.
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READ NOW“Fremantle is known for its inventive uses of unusual spaces, where unique sights, sounds, tastes and experiences can be found.
“We quickly found that the common thread linking many enduring narratives of Fremantle’s history, growth and survival evolved around the port city’s close relationship with its immediate maritime setting.”
The Fremantle resident said the main challenge was how to build and install the work.
“This thing is an immensely complex object, covering over 200 square metres in area, made up of thousands of individual unique pieces and parts, all needing to join up at precisely accurate angles with vey small tolerances for error,” he said.
“By using algorithmic digital modelling techniques, coupled with a range of digitally integrated fabrication techniques, and a team of very skilled tradesmen, we have been able to manage that complexity efficiently.”
The artist, who has been building the work at a warehouse in Malaga, said he hoped the work would be enjoyed by anyone who visited the space.
“I’m also really happy to make a public artwork that can actually respond to the live weather conditions of its immediate environment,” he said.
“Light Applications team have worked with me to programme a sophisticated lighting control system that changes according to the speed and direction of the wind.
“I can’t wait to see how that unpredictable element changes the behaviour of the lighting at night.”
The work is currently on track to be completed by the middle of August.