IN PLAIN SIGHT 2016
Contour556: Interventions in the Landscape
In Plain Sight is a public art project by Katy Mutton which was created to be part of Canberra-based Arts Festival Contour 556.
The work transformed an electric cruise vessel into a 'dazzle'-inspired moving artwork.
The MV Gull is a small cruise boat which ordinarily operates a regular schedule of tours through most of the year. Through this work it was transformed into an accessible artwork. The creation of the piece explored ideas around stealth and surveillance. Using bright, bold mixed pattern the vessel invited attention while simultaneously interfering with the viewers perception of it’s form and detail.
The location of Contour 556 is significant in relation to the work. While the boat travelled across the lake the artwork was flanked by Canberra's major military and surveillance hubs and was in close proximity to military hardware suppliers. Cruise passengers could catch glimpses of the relatively new ASIO building, the ADSD and other Defence agencies, as well as Parliament House.
In Plain Sight reflected back from the lake, as a moving surveillance hub.
While the passenger cabin was always obscured by pattern, the view from within was maintained.
Images: Paul Jurak