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John Robinson
John Robinson is graduating from the University of Tasmania School of Art in 2005. He is part of the Grad Show, opening from 6pm of Friday 11th November to Sunday 13th and held at the Hunter Street campus. His work, “Frottarch” can be seen during the exhibition.
“Frottarch” (detail) Graphite frottage, Lithograph and Screenprint, John Robinson, 2005
Frottarch explores the texture, history and usage of the pipeline track running between the Wellington Falls and the Waterworks in Dynnyrne. The main element is an arch, which is a rough rock edge on one side, which changes to a hand built stone arch. The stone has been transformed by constant exposure to the elements, water has carved paths across the face, moss and lichens have eaten away at the surface. Workers have drilled holes to attach pipes; others have carved their initials for all to see. The stones have witnessed floods, fire and many triumphs, tragedies and mark the craftsmanship of the people who quarried them, cut and placed them to create the different structures along the way.
Above the arch is a bridge that is based on the original wooden aquaduct that was built prior to the existing stone aquaducts, all that remains to day are the stone pillars that held it up. Included in the work is a boundary marker from Hobart, where the pipeline water was destined. The pipeline is still a vital part of the mostly unseen services that make up our modern environment. In the building of the pipeline and the reservation of Mt Wellington as a catchment area the track and features alongside have become an attraction for the community over the years, a created landscape that has helped to preserve some of the mountain landscape from encroaching buildings.
