By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA councillor Ed Chatwin has given the thumbs down to the new sculpture planned for the Lakeside at Pakenham art project.
Cr Chatwin criticised the work proposed by Jennyfer Stratman, saying he found it “without originality”.
The Ranges Ward councillor’s comments are sure to fan debate over the $150,000 public artwork partnership between Cardinia Shire Council and Delfin Lend Lease.
Newly elected mayor Kate Lempriere defended the decision.
She said Cr Chatwin was entitled to his view but believed it was “certainly not” indicative of general feeling about the sculpture.
Cr Chatwin acknowledged his opinion was personal, but the best he could say of Ms Stratman’s work was that it was the pick of the proposals put forward by artists seeking the commission.
“Art is very much in the eye of the beholder and I am talking very much from a personal point of view,” Cr Chatwin said.
“I find it without originality.
“It was the best of the submissions, but I don’t find it particularly original.”
The Lakeside Pakenham Public Art program is designed to raise Pakenham’s artistic profile, but has been the subject of some discussion among residents who have questioned whether the money could be better spent.
Cr Lempriere, the program’s chairperson and a strong supporter of the arts, said the council was getting enormous value for its money.
Ms Stratman’s work will be showcased at the western end of the feature lake in Botanic Drive in Pakenham’s Lakeside estate.
The $49,000 project will feature a sculptural work specifically designed for the site.
It is planned that the sculpture will be finished by April.
The council is contributing $15,000 to the project.
Cr Lempriere said Ms Stratman had an international reputation and felt confident the general public would be “really impressed” when the work goes on display.
“Artistic worth is up to the individual, but there is no doubt Cardinia is getting a firstrate work,” Cr Lempriere said.
“A rigorous and meritbased selection process was undertaken based on written proposals, concept design drawings, artist interviews and risk assessments.
“Taking into account public opinion, the panel of eight determined Jennyfer Stratman’s concept proposal was the most creative design, suitable for the site.
“It was felt it would be highly engaging for the community, practical and also compliant with expectations regarding risk and project delivery.”
Cr Lempriere said residents had responded enthusiastically to the first piece commissioned in the program, Paul Johnson’s Toolum.
The piece, officially unveiled a couple of months ago, takes pride of place outside the Cardinia Cultural Centre.