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Common Ground (2023) - Tony Windberg

Tony Windberg 2023

Reflecting the colourful history of the building process of Parliament House, Common Ground resurrects grand but unsuccessful architectural design proposals including the dome that never was. From columns to cupola, classical references throughout these submitted 1902 elevation drawings continued the tradition of transplanting European culture and systems into new lands.

In the artwork, the British Westminster system is represented by the lion and unicorn. Coppery blues (distinct from the Commonwealth standard green) and earthy reds symbolise the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council with the Western Australian Parliament. These colours meet in the middle, a reflection of the democratic process and a nod to the adage that ‘politics is the art of compromise’.

Connection to subject and landscape through materials characterises ‘Common Ground’. Sourcing and using Donnybrook Sandstone from an original Donnybrook quarry was pivotal in reconstructing an unrealised and idealised building.

The ornate Federation Academic Classical style of the completed 1904 WA Parliament House on Harvest Terrace contrasted sharply with the Stripped Classicism of the later 1964 Eastern façade overlooking a much-changed city. However, harmonious junctures were achieved within. The latter’s internal use of travertine, with its distinct patterning, has been referenced in the artwork’s upper panels. Likewise, the travertine’s tell-tale cut and polished ‘blobs’ inspired the lines replicating the architectural drawings’ hand-drawn ink lines. An extruded Donnybook Sandstone mixture was used, thematically blending these building materials. Additional tonal rendering used a symbolic ‘whole of state’ earth pigment mix to suggest form.

Wavy traces of ‘engraved’ line rendering, echoing the graphic Art Nouveau style of the Edwardian Era, hover throughout the artwork. The weathered remnants and the artwork’s aged patina reflect a sense of valued traditions meeting change as we collectively make decisions for the future.

Tony Windberg is an Australian artist living in the south west of Western Australia who has won multiple awards and grants. He is the 2023 Parliament House-Edith Cowan University Artist-in-residence.

aip-tw2023/CommonGround.jpg

Common GroundDonnybrook sandstone, earth pigments, iron oxides, graphite, Marri resin, copper, acrylic binders, oil on 25 wood panels (Picture 256 cm x 205 cm)

For more information on the architecture of Parliament House, see Parliament of WA - Building History.