Recycled materials and pedal power form part of a fun and futuristic new vehicle, which is being launched at Willoughby’s Emerge Festival and aims to inspire creative discussions about our urban environment.
Emerge Vehicle (for the future urban nomad) – created by multi-disciplinary artist Zachariah Fenn – will be unveiled tonight at the official opening of the Cities Foretold exhibition at Art Space on The Concourse.
Derived from PVC conduit, recycled metal, zip ties, metallic floor underlay for the canopy and a bicycle frame – the Emerge Vehicle blends art and advocacy by challenging our current approach to metropolitan travel and energy consumption.
In creating the vehicle, Fenn embraced the task of building a sustainable prototype fit for urban travel in a future free of fossil-fuel powered transport.
Fenn’s work will feature in a series of demonstrations including at the Cities Foretold exhibition opening, at the Chatswood StreetFair on 3 September (1.30pm) and on 24 September (1.30pm) at The Concourse outdoor area.
The audience will be invited to follow the Emerge Vehicle as it traverses through The Concourse, including multiple levels and areas of the precinct via lifts and passageways.
Fenn said the concept was about educating and engaging people about what alternative modes of transport might emerge in a net zero emissions future.
“This vehicle is a prototype for what vehicles might be like in the future,” Mr Fenn said.
“There is a big push towards solar power and electric powered vehicles as opposed to petrol vehicles.
“I’m looking at a futuristic city where petrol vehicles are no longer viable and we have finally adopted more sustainable methods of transportation around the city.
“I also want to inspire people and have a bit of fun with my artwork … I think it connects well with children and those who are young at heart.”
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Cities Foretold exhibition was about rethinking urban environments in a sustainable way.
“The exhibition reminds us that cities are more than just a series of tall buildings – they are also places where community and culture flourishes, and where diversity stimulates innovation,” Mayor Taylor said.
“The artists in this exhibition challenge our preconceptions about our city, but also reflect on the beauty that can be found.”
Cities Foretold features a diversity of artwork examining how cities will look and function in the future including sculpture, printmaking, drawing and video art.
The exhibition also includes a community-based art project – the Emerge Willoughby Map project.
Artist Janet Parker-Smith has created a large copper plate etching version of the illustrative Emerge map. Parker-Smith will host weekend drop-in workshops to teach visitors to use the etching technique to print the different features and landmarks of Willoughby, which will be gradually added to the map throughout the duration of the exhibition.
