Time to reflect on how our city uses art

The centre of our city is indeed beautiful in her absence, but Marilyn gave the space new life. She brought with her an energy the CBD had not seen in many years.

And she brought people to that space who may otherwise never have found a reason to stop there.

It was always going to be a challenge for Bendigo Art Gallery to fill Marilyn’s shoes – but the latest installation in Rosalind Park not only gives Bendigo a chance to reflect on how the space was previously used for art, but also consider the many ways it can be used in the future.

So impressed by the space are artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney they have declared Rosalind Park the best backdrop for their work to date.

“We thought we’d maybe go to one other location after Hobart and this is our fifth city and the most spectacular location,”Courtney said.

“It really is beautiful here, of all the locations we’ve been in it just looks knockout here in Bendigo.”

Few could argue. But perhaps more beautiful will be the experience of those daring to venture through the House of Mirrors.

While some may find themselves anxious and desperate for a way out, others will see humour and embrace their sense of fun.

Those reactions are part of the experience, the artists say.

“This whole blend of joy and fear’s quite an amazing thing to watch on people’s faces, like in an amusement park, so it’s really fun to watch people’s different reactions to it,” Wagstaff said.

“People use different muscles in their faces that you don’t normally expect.”

The reaction from Bendigo about another public art in Rosalind Park will also be interesting – but Bendigo Art Gallery is a leader and known to attract crowds from well beyond central Victoria. The four-month Marilyn exhibition brought more than $13 million into the region, and while the House of Mirrors is only for a few short weeks, it is sure to lure many from outside greater Bendigo into our fine city.

We hope that is the case. But we also hope this installation is embraced by those within greater Bendigo, who may be curious and willing to explore something new and different, right here on their doorstep.

Nicole Ferrie, editor