Hobart-based creative agency DarkLab will build a major new permanent artwork at Ida Bay in Southern Tasmania.
Transformer, a new site-specific commission by American artist Doug Aitken, is a pavilion with a reflective interior, creating a lens of angles and facets, a kaleidoscope that transforms and interacts with the landscape as the seasons go by.
Transformer's exterior physicality falls away once entered, as it draws the viewer into a never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection.
"We are delighted that we are finally able to release details of plans for Project X in the Huon Valley," DarkLab Creative Director Leigh Carmichael says. "We are fortunate that artist Doug Aitken accepted an invitation to visit Tasmania late last year and designed the new work after identifying a site at Ida Bay."
Doug Aitken, Transformer for Project X. Artist impression. Image courtesy © Doug Aitken and DarkLab
"While Transformer will attract people to the Huon Valley, it also uses the landscape of the area as its focal point, highlighting the natural beauty of southern Tasmania.
"The work will change throughout the year reflecting the various colours and moods of the seasons.
"Our aim is to lodge a development application with the Huon Valley Council later this year, and pending approvals we plan to open in December 2021."