Untitled - Kenwick Station

Pamela Gaunt

Title: Untitled - Kenwick Station

Artist/s: Pamela Gaunt

Year: 2014

Site: Kenwick Station

Location Detail: Artworks inset into edge of station canopy on northern platform.  (Artwork no longer in situ on southern platform).

Medium: ImagInk glass inserts

Description:

A little known aspect of the Kenwick Station location is it’s close proximity to the Brixton Street Wetlands. In a past century, the patriots of the station had to trudge through the wetlands in their boots to the station and thus, were very aware of the surrounding environment. The Brixton Street and wider wetlands contains 21 per cent of Perth’s biodiversity and boasts a unique and diverse flora species (more than 650).

Historically, much of the original wetlands were cleared for farming, and whilst what remained posed a difficulty for urban development, it has contributed to its survival. The wetlands demonstrate a complex hydrology and unique site-specific soil structure significant for the flora. This includes declared rare flora species such as: Pennywort (Hydrocotyle lemnoides) and water ribbons Aponogeton hexatepalus)i. The City of Gosnells, in cooperation with the Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands, has made concerted efforts to raise awareness of the significance of the site, to the local community and beyond.

To date, the interface between the Kenwick station and this significant 180-hectare site has been poor. Many commuters are unaware of the rich and significant heritage of the adjacent Wetlands. The artwork attempts to build awareness of the significance of the wetlands, and its flora, for the passengers who traverse the station. Like all railway commuters, the Kenwick station commuters have reflective time while waiting for the train. The proposed artworks offer users the opportunity to learn about aspects of the Brixton Street Wetlands through the incorporation of relevant imagery and text into various interventions and structures of the platform. The canopy interventions offer different imagery on each platform, offering travellers the opportunity to learn something different at departure and return to Kenwick.