888 - Public Art, Melbourne CBD

888
Public Art Installation – Corner Russell + Victoria St, Melbourne CBD

A small project is being undertaken by RMIT Public Art Students around the 150th anniversary commemoration of the eight-hour working day. The project involves the notion of time, socio-economic changes in Australia and unsanctioned artistic interventions in public spaces.

The works vary from sculptural forms, to a range of unlikely souvenirs, text based work on time based ticketing, a sound work on a narrow cast of workers during lunchtime and various installations dealing with labour and the shifting terms of production.

One piece, utilising the three eights that was launched on April 21, the commemorative day of the action in 1856 that officially secured the eight hour working day, has spawned a series of response writhes by anonymous unionists that marked this day, May Day and the rally the following Sunday.

The usually inactive grass triangle on the corner of Russell and Victoria Streets in Melbourne has been a buzz of conversation and attention during the installation of the 11 works on site during April and May.

Pictured in order of appearance here are Eight Eight Eight by Wendy Black, Hollow Victory by Elaine Hogarty, Souveneirs by Claire McCraken, and Brain Food by Anthony McInneny.