#studio31 intervention_#laneart_linda

#laneart linda feng

Title: Laneart Audience: General public Location: Lingham Lane Time/Date: 1:30 pm/30th March Duration: 1 hr 15 minutes

Intervention Summary: To investigates pedestrian interaction with art in Melbourne laneways. Drawings and photographs were hanging across window bars and fixtures along Lingham Lane. This intervention aims to spread and redirect pedestrian flows along Flinders lane; encouraging pedestrians to engage with art by utilising empty laneways.

Can art redirect people to less utilised spaces, can it inform and remind Melbournians of historical structures that many walk by without noticing?

3 _ Introduction

Linda Feng

Location Map

4 _ Site

Linda Feng

Site Photographs

Originally Manchester Lane selected as the site location, it branches off from Flinders Lane, it occupies a few small retail stores and eateries. Although it is only a few meters from the popular Degraves and Centre Place, it is quieter. However, due to underestimate of light fixture height, the art boards could not be hung from Manchester lane; instead location moved to Lingham Lane. Its dark entrance with bright backdrop created a dramatic scene. It is particularly quiet lane used only by local businesses as drive way to parking.

5_ Site

Linda Feng

Section A

Flinders Lane

Plan 1:75 on A3

Plan & Section

6 _ Design

Linda Feng

Section A 1:20 on A3

7

Photos of Melbourne laneways were displayed and used to remind the pedestrians of Melbourne buildings that are often unnoticed. To also address the main focus of engaging Melbournians with art in laneways, images were photoshopped then drawn over. Questionnaire was written at back of photo drawings to survey what Melbournians thought of art in laneways.

8 _ Design

Linda Feng

All artworks were hung using fishing wire on fixtures along the laneway; e.g. bars on windows, door handles and handrails The process of putting the art work up took two people - half an hour

Due to the positions of these fixtures, the boards were hung at chin level.

Originally, the boards were planned to be hung at eye level, allowing by passers to easily see and notice the intervention. However, due to the change of location, the intervention became much more than just art for observation.

The level which it was hanging allowed pedestrians to interact with the intervention as well as the laneway. Pedestrians who wanted to looked at all the boards had to bend to move into the laneway.

The dramatic contrast between light and darkness in Lingham Lane brought out the uniqueness of Melbourne Laneart and the potential for the development of Laneart project.

9 _ Installation

Linda Feng

10 _ Installation

Linda Feng

11 _ Installation

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Linda Feng

12 _ Photographs

Linda Feng

13 _ Photographs

Linda Feng

Observations: Many took an interest while the installation were still going up; curiously lingering at the entrance of the laneway to peek at what was happening.

Although majority of people were interested, most stayed at the entrance rather than entering to take a closer look at the installation. Mostly because of insufficient lighting in the Lingham Lane but perhaps also fear of damaging the installation.

Seeing me ducking under fishing wires to get into the lane, triggered a pedestrian’s interest; and perhaps gave her the courage to enter the laneway and looked at the installation. She commented that “it was interesting see you duck all the wires to get in” and asked further about what I was doing. This comment has allowed me to realise that it is exactly this interaction between people and art that has started my conversation with a stranger, and perhaps it could become the next chapter in the story between Melbourne and art.

Comments gathered from the installation included: “I think Melbourne need more art outside of art institutions. Perhaps art needs to be brought to the people rather than people go to view art”

“Melbourne needs art in more public spaces, where its easy for people to see” Reflection on observation:

People need to feel safe in laneways, especially at night when it is dark. How do I create an inviting space that people feel comfortable to walk into without feeling the need for other people being present.

14 _ Observations

Linda Feng

“Retail” “Some kinds of small modern art gallery that the public have put together ad can appeal to the young and old” “High tea places, vintage stores” “Bars” “Lights” “Days spas that sinks below ground” “More art/sculptures” “Maybe some markets, possibly showing jewellery makers or other arts and crafts and little boutique stalls that are unique to Melbourne” “Movie screens” “Not sure! Installations are always cool though. Definitely less dumpsters and nooks where people can jump out and stab you” “Artworks” “More life” “A lot can be invested in laneways, anything people would enjoy doing, art, rest, hide and seek” “A circus performance! Lots of walls/windows to play with” “Urban drama and arts” “Street music performances” “Seriously, graffiti and cafes are what its all about - that is the character of laneways and what creates the atmosphere” “More greenery! Too many ugly brick walls and smelly sewer. Look at European laneways, ugly walls all covered in beautiful flowers”

15 15 _ Data

Linda Feng

16 16 _ Data

Linda Feng

Conclusion: The intervention and survey raised some important points which I should consider in my main design.

-Is there specific art that suits or should fit in an laneway gallery. Not all art is suitable to be displayed in Melbourne laneways.

-How will the space be inviting

-Consider safety issues in laneways/especially after dark or in more isolated locations

-Creating spaces that encourages interaction between people as well as with the art itself -Taking in account of many suggestions made by Melbournians

17 _ Conclusion

Linda Feng