Edward Ginger, The Echo, Swanston Walk Public Art Project, 1996, Chinatown
Summary
Location: Swanston Walk, near the corner of Little Bourke St
Ginger’s non-figurative The Echo takes its inspiration from Melbourne’s rich and diverse cultures, particularly its Asian cultures. Both the design and vibrant sienna colouring of the work have strong associations with Eastern spirituality.
The Echo is sited close to Chinatown and what was, at the time of installation, the Bank of Hong Kong, with the intention of connecting the work to its cultural environment. The design also seeks to integrate disparate aspects; Ginger has incorporated seating to encourage passers-by to linger and to interact with the sculpture, and to see it as part of the streetscape rather than as an interloper from the lofty world of art.
The sculpture was unveiled on 5th February 1997.