Melbourne artist Alexander Knox has created a kinetic neon light for the narrow lane that leads to Croydon carpark. The light work refers to the distinctive fields of Wallaby Grass that led to the naming of “White Flats” the original name for the Croydon area. The artist employs the aesthetic of the neon era to create a multi-layered graphic image of the distinctive species of Wallaby Grass. The image is animated to create a “wind through the grass” swaying effect. Below this moving grass motive the word Whisperer is spelt out in controllable neon. As the neon grass “sways in the wind”, the letters of the word “Whisperer” come off and on intermittently. The effect is to create a ghostly, glitchy form of anagrammatic poetry that hints at a mysterious underlying narrative. The word “Whisperer” is somewhat onomatopoeic, sounding both like the act of whispering and like wind blowing softly through grass.
Alexander Knox is a Melbourne-based sculptor of large-scale kinetic light installations, soundscapes and sculptures. For the past two decades Alexander Knox Studios have been creating major art works in the public realm as well as producing exhibitions in public and private galleries and museums. The artist’s interest lies in engaging with multilayered ideas of community and place through an exploration of site-specific histories. His works often celebrate ecology, natural science, social history, alternative histories and deep time. Knox looks for stories of place that include myth, diverse belief system, perception, identity and subjectivity.
Whisperer, 2024, Alexander Knox - image by Christian Capurro
119 Main Street, Croydon 3136, Wurundjeri Country View map
119 Main Street , Croydon 3136, Wurundjeri Country
This installation is part of the Reignite Croydon - Laneway Lights project, which is shining a light on Croydon's laneways.
Works are visible from dusk to midnight.
View the project
Maroondah’s public spaces are home to numerous artworks that enhance the public realm, provide pause for thought, and enrich people’s experience of those spaces.
See all Public Art in Maroondah
Maroondah has a number of current and upcoming exhibitions on display.
See exhibitions & arts events
Stay in touch with Arts in Maroondah by subscribing to our eNewsletters.
Hear about events and opportunities for artists, see what's happening in the arts, and find out more about our programs, performances, facilities and future directions, upcoming exhibitions, public art news and much more!
Join the Arts in Maroondah mailing list