Every year when the new year ticks over comes a time of reflection and introspection. Plans for the coming year are made and an assessment of the previous year undertaken. It was with this mindset that I came across a truly remarkable piece of sculpture that is laced with metaphor.
During this time, as in previous years, I have had the privilege of being located at the Australian National University, in Canberra. Subsequent to my previous visit, the university has installed the work entitled ‘Una’ by award winning artist Wolfgang Buttress
Una Sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress
The artwork is essentially a stainless steel sphere which provides a slightly distorted reflection of the surrounding university grounds and highly refined contemporary architecture from Lyons Architects in Melbourne.
The reflective qualities of the sphere ensure that the artwork itself is constantly changing with the light conditions and surrounding activity.
The reflective qualities of the sphere ensure that the artwork itself is constantly changing with the light conditions and surrounding activity.
Una is a fantastic analogy to the built environment generally. The closer you look the more you find. Many people may in fact walk past completely without discovering its most amazing quality. What starts out looking like tiny imperfections in the surface reveal themselves to be coin sized openings into an experience in sculpture like no other.
In the artists own words
Connections between the micro and the macro are suggested as are notions of absence and presence.
The piece acts as a portal and mirror reflecting the immediate architectural surroundings, nature, one’s own reflection and in turn one’s relationship with oneself and the stars above
The brilliant interior view of Una
For a short HD video click here
So for 2014 and beyond be sure to get a closer look. Engage and you might be surprised with what you discover.
Architecture is for Everyone!
The Red and Black Architect 
What a great find, Michael. Did you know about the inner world prior to visiting, or was your curiosity rewarded by its discovery?
Hi Warwick. This discovery was due to curiosity. On my first encounter I was in a hurry, so I made sure I returned to photograph and check it out in more detail. It was on this second trip that I discovered the brilliant interior.
Reblogged this on archiabyssniya.
Hi Michael, Thanks for sharing and your comments! A nice way to start the New Year! Cheers, Mervyn