By Joel Meares
The artist behind a new exhibition that has turned an abandoned tunnel in Ultimo into a cabinet of curiosities says projects like his are key to the rejuvenation of suburbs close to Central Station.
New York-based Australian artist Ian Burns has been working with the University of Technology, Sydney as an artist-in-residence for 11 weeks. He was invited by curator Holly Williams, who saw his acclaimed work at Tasmania's Dark Mofo festival and asked the artist to create a site-specific exhibition in Sydney.
Cabinet minister: Artist Ian Burns with his work Extended Stage, which takes place in the old Ultimo tunnel.Credit: Steven Siewert
They chose an abandoned railway tunnel under Railway Square that has been signalled for an extension of The Goods Line, the former freight corridor being redeveloped as a passage from the city to Darling Harbour.
For his Extended Stage installation, Burns has installed eight china cabinets in the tunnel: one is filled with fog, one is a freezer, four have children's keyboards built into them. As people walk through the tunnel, sensors trigger the cabinets to produce sound and react.
"The idea is that the public will have this first chance to enter private space in Sydney," Burns says. "There is an immediate sense of curiosity and sense of discovery of places that you've never seen before."
Only four people can enter the installation at a time, which means it almost becomes a stage, Burns says. "When people go in, it's like they've crossed the fourth wall . . . they're making a spectacle of themselves as they discover something for themselves. Everyone who's waiting to have their go is watching you."
Burns, who has spent time in Sydney throughout his career, says The Goods Line redevelopment, along with the emergence of Carriageworks and small galleries in Redfern and Chippendale, show there has been increased consideration of arts and culture as inner Sydney develops. "It's quite a rewarding experience to walk through Chippendale and discover galleries I never knew existed, to be honest.
"The fact that Sydney is coming into itself is really encouraging. Not that long ago they wanted to pull everything down."
Extended Stage is in the tunnel under Wembley House (southern end of The Goods Line) until April 17.