Unveiling of East Perth redevelopment's latest piece of public art

5/11/99
Planning Minister Graham Kierath today unveiled the East Perth redevelopment's latest, and possibly its most striking, piece of public art.
The sculpture, based upon Penrose's Impossible Triangle, is a collaboration between Western Australian artist Brian McKay and architect Ahmad Abas.
"This new piece of public art is an adaptation of a concept developed by Lionel Penrose and his mathematician son, Sir Roger Penrose in 1954," Mr Kierath said.
"In keeping with the transformation of East Perth to a place for people, the sculpture encourages the participation of the viewer.
"The sculpture can only be fully appreciated by moving it to see the triangle's form change and the illusion appear."
Mr Kierath said the creative artworks at East Perth like the Impossible Triangle have led to the development of an unmistakable character in the suburb.
"Extensive input from artists, architects and urban designers has taken the redevelopment beyond simply constructing buildings to creating a distinct 'East Perth' style," he said.
"The architecture, street furniture, landscape features and public artworks have given the area its own personality.
"There is a combination of old and new at East Perth and this mix seems to have struck a chord with Perth residents.
"The popularity of the area shows this is what people want from their living and working environment today.
"Since the up-grade began in 1992, the number of visitors to the area at weekends has increased 900 per cent."
Mr Kierath said the Impossible Triangle sculpture was a challenging piece that had attracted many positive comments from both local people and tourists.
The creative input from Western Australian designers makes it a valuable and fitting addition to the East Perth redevelopment.
Media contact: Steve Manchee (08) 9213 6400