Artist Louise Paramor has been commissioned to produce a series of public art pieces for Bowden.

Ms Paramor’s proposal was chosen by a group of community representatives, council, Renewal SA and specialist organisations, who were brought together on a Public Art Reference Group. The reference group began with a field of 27 submissions submitted via public expression of interest process.

Louise Paramor is a nationally recognised artist who has worked in Berlin, the Netherlands and Singapore, and has had solo exhibitions in Europe and Asia. Her sculptures are in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art, and Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Bowden Project Director Alicia Davidge said it was pleasing to be able to commission an artist of Ms Paramor’s calibre and experience.

“The whimsical works will be three brightly coloured steel sculptures — forming a lively and eye-catching feature in the planned Bowden Park,” Ms Davidge said.

“The works are designed to appeal to people of all ages and to challenge the viewer, while evoking a sense of fun, nostalgia and intrigue.”

In recommending Ms Paramor’s proposal, the reference group praised the planned works as “unique and quirky artworks for Bowden, fitting in with our catchphrase ‘life more interesting’”.

The sculptures are not just good-looking, they must be practical too — the steel structures are designed for longevity and to be a robust and safe addition to this public space which will be used by the wider community. Charles Sturt Council endorsed the proposed sculptures as durable and suitable for a public space.

The works will face the retail strip at Plant 4 along the edge of the park, which will include restaurants and cafes. Nearby there’ll be a water play area for kids and a sensory garden, ensuring the precinct is full of life and interest.

Design development has commenced, and the pieces will be installed in mid-2016, in line with Bowden Park’s completion.

About the process

The submissions were reviewed in the two-stage process by the Bowden Public Art Reference Group (PARG), with community members from the Bowden Reference Group, and members from the City of Charles Sturt, Aspect Studios design and landscape consultants, Brecknock Consulting, and Renewal SA.

In the second stage, four shortlisted artists were invited to explore their proposed concepts further. Of these concepts, Ms Paramor’s pieces captured the imagination of the reference group, who then provided a recommendation to Renewal SA.

Artist’s past work

Shown art sculptures are examples of Louise Paramor’s past work titled:

• First image: Industrial Jam Session (detail), 2007
• Second image: Panorama Station (detail), 2013

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For more information, call 1800 BOWDEN.