DarkLab announces glass pavilion ‘Transformer’ as next phase of Project X at Ida Bay in the Huon Valley

Mona subsidiary DarkLab will today announce plans for a new permanent artwork in the state’s south. Read the details and see the artist’s impressions here >>

• Project X is coming home to roost in the Huon Valley
• Project X in Tasmania’s far South helping bring visitors back to Huon after bushfires

A NEW permanent artwork described as a “never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection” is set to be installed in Tasmania’s deep south.

As part of Project X, initiated by Mona subsidiary DarkLab, Transformer will be a pavilion with a reflective interior created by American artist Doug Aitken at Ida Bay.

Impression of Project X pavilion by American artist Doug Aitken. Image: DARKLAB

DarkLab creative director Leigh Carmichael said it was fortunate Mr Aitken had accepted an invitation to visit Tasmania late last year.

“While Transformer will attract people to the Huon Valley, it also uses the landscape of the area as its focal point, highlighting the natural beauty of southern Tasmania,” he said.

“The work will change throughout the year reflecting the various colours and moods of the seasons.

“It’s been an extremely challenging project thus far, but we are confident this installation has the potential to bring long lasting benefits to the region.

“We are working closely with the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society to ensure the heritage on the site is maintained and that our plans do not impede their vision of an operating train at some point in the future.”

The inside of Transformer will reflect “the various colours and moods of the seasons.” Image: DARKLAB

Mr Carmichael said DarkLab aimed to lodged a development application with the Huon Valley Council later this year, and if approved, hoped to open in December 2021.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said the project would be a game-changer for the tourism industry in the south.

“After the loss of tourism in our region for two seasons, we welcome with open arms Doug Aitken, DarkLab and Mona to the Huon Valley,” she said.

“We know that one-of-a-kind ‘hero’ tourism experiences not only encourage visitors to stay longer, but more businesses invest, and that is a good thing for employment and the creative industry in our unique beautiful part of the world.”

Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael at the hanging garden after the announcement that Dark Mofo 2020 would be cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Aitken said his piece was a crossover of contemporary art, architecture and ecology.

“Each and every moment of the sculpture will change continuously with the surrounding light and weather conditions, attracting repeat visits to the region,” he said.

Project X was designed to entice visitors to the Huon region to boost its tourism economy following the January 2019 bushfires.

Last year, visitors descended on Hastings Cave, where its first attraction Hrafn: Conversations with Odin was on show and was later followed by Jimmy Cauty’s The Aftermath Dislocation Principle in Geeveston.

The federal and state governments provided $2 million for Project X.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the project would give Tasmanians “greater incentive to holiday at home and see what our state has to offer, supporting jobs, local businesses and the economy in our regional areas.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonathon Duniam said Transformer would encourage visitors to stay overnight in the region.

“The 2019 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the region’s tourism industry, and that’s why Transformer is an important project for getting the resilient industry back on its feet,” he said.