New Strand sculpture inspired by North Queensland’s past and lifestyle
Date published: 27 July 2022
The newest piece of permanent public art on The Strand has people asking if it is something from Stranger Things, War of the Worlds or completely out of this world.
Townsville City Council has installed Christopher Trotter’s sculpture, Foreigner, after it won the $90,000 acquisitive prize category at last year’s Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures.
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the sculpture has captured the attention of the public with a lot of people stopping to speculate what recycled materials were used to construct the artwork.
“It is proving to be a bit of a conversation starter, and it certainly has added to The Strand experience,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council is proud to be able to support arts and culture in the city, and Ephemera is one of those events the residents get behind and enjoy.
“Last year, more than 180,000 people came to The Strand over the nine days that Ephemera was on, and we are proud to be able to add this piece of art to works already on display along the foreshore.”
The artwork has been permanently installed on the beach near The Strand Fountain at the end of Oxley Street.
Artist Christopher Trotter said the sculpture was a nod to Townsville’s past and North Queensland’s environment and lifestyle.
“There are subtle hints related to the region all around the artwork,” Mr Trotter said.
“The body is inspired by a box jellyfish and made from an old hydraulic tank to signify Townsville’s involvement with the mining industry.
“The propeller on top of the sculpture is in reference to the military presence in Townsville, and the artwork is made to look like an introduced or foreign species to reflect the biosecurity threats North Queensland faces.
“Different people have been able to identify with different elements of the sculpture, and it is great to see a broad cross-section of the community have really engaged with it.”
Entries will be open soon for next year’s Ephemera, and updates will be available on Council’s website and social media.
