Mind the gap, a project for MoreArt 2018, stems from a fascination with the Merri-bek landscape: a landscape not often associated with ‘magic’. This installation of surreal, oversized instructional signage acts as starting point for an exploration of ‘magic in the north’.

Mind the gap, a project for MoreArt 2018, stems from a fascination with the Merri-bek landscape: a landscape not often associated with ‘magic’. This installation of surreal, oversized instructional signage acts as starting point for an exploration of ‘magic in the north’.

Magic, a subjective idea, can refer to the mysterious and supernatural, or it could indicate the essential ingredient that makes something work. Either way, it evokes a sense of wonder and excitement. This project points to the magic that is the urban, light industrial landscape of parts of Merri-bek, celebrating the arguable beauty that we live amongst and traverse everyday. 

The installation occupies an in-between space. It emphasises movement and people-flow through a transient area. It uses a visual language that commuters can easily read. Symbols like arrows and crosses are common instructional graphics along the Upfield train line. This language is re-contextualised and used in a playful, whimsical and surreal way, indicating the ambiguous direction that magic could be found.

The project installation is juxtaposed against the backdrop of urban graffiti, brick walls and cyclone wire. These aspects of the site add an overlay of tension and remind the viewer that magic, in any of its subjective forms, can be elusive.

The work references the painting of Jeffrey Smart, particularly Smart’s use of street signage. The choice of site is reminiscent of Smart’s psychological magical urban environments.

The project provides a surreal, magical interval during the journey to the north via train or a visit to the south along the bike path.

Photography: Tim Gresham