Yass Valley Council has voted to purchase an artwork using recycled car parts to be erected next to the Barton Highway.
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Councillors agreed to pay $4950 for the piece, 'Forgotten 2004', which uses mangled car parts to represent flowers in a structure about three metres tall.
The Public Art Committee had been asked to make a recommendation to council on the purchase of a sculpture, choosing from those that were exhibited in Classic Yass' Sculpture in the Paddock last year.
The committee met in January and chose the artwork by Melanie Lyons and recommended it be erected next to the Barton Highway.
The artist said the use of cars in the artwork was meaningful.
"Cars are a significant part of Australian society, they speak of freedom, independence and speed, and tragically they can also speak of grief. Yass was the place of my youth, a highway town where cars rule. The grief was a close friend killed in a car accident. Flowers are a symbol to remind us of those we have lost."
Ms Lyons attended high school in Yass and still lives in the shire. She was selected in two consecutive years in the National Gallery's annual 'SubURBAN' exhibition, which celebrates the very best in youth art in the Southern Tablelands.
She has a Bachelor of Arts (Visual) from the ANU School of Art, where she completed Honours in 2004.
Ms Lyons has also lost a loved one on the Barton Highway.
Members of the committee felt that, as well as being a great piece of public art by a young local talent, 'Forgotten 2004' conveyed a powerful road safety message important to many in Yass Valley.
There was consensus in the committee that, subject to consultation with the artist, NSW Roads and Maritime Services and a structural engineer, it could be appropriately placed next to the Barton Highway.
A specific site has yet to be determined.
Funds for the artwork and consultation with a structural engineer will come from the Community Art Reserve. At the time of going to press, the Tribune received advice from council that "The recommendation to purchase the artwork is subject to a structural engineering assessment report to assess the structure for safety and stability and recommended strategies to improve any identified issues."
Additional funds for installation and ongoing maintenance will need to be budgeted in future years.
There was lively discussion among councillors at the meeting, including councillor Greg Butler voicing his dislike of the artwork.
"It's a lot of money. Can I ask that it not be in Murrumbateman or anywhere near Murrumbateman?"
But councillor Jasmin Jones was supportive.
"I'm game to say that I love it. It's a very ambitious piece.
"My concern is that it's so eye-catching it could be a distraction."
Councillor Geoff Frost questioned if the Barton was the appropriate place.
"There may be a better site on the Hume?" he asked.
But councillor Michael McManus pointed out that the message of the artwork could make a political point.
"We're actively campaigning to improve the Barton Highway. This is made from car parts - there's a reason for the Barton Highway to be the site for it. There may be a political agenda that the mayor can push."
