Osmosis

Australian sculptor, Ari Purhonen, has transformed Haslams Pier with an innovative artwork built into the floor surface. As you walk along the pier, it is gradually perceived through the metal grating of the floor surface. A series of painted aluminium rods change colour across the spectrum, and change direction as you stroll along the pier.

The range of colours refers to the way water causes light to break into its rainbow spectrum. The sculpture creates an optical effect that changes as visitors stroll along the length of the pier. The subtle shifting angles of the rods underneath the web forge metal create the illusion of movement. The hardwood flooring also features a line of inlaid brass. Initially following the direction of Olympic Boulevard the brass line, too, changes direction and gradually opens out towards the wetland.

The sculpture is especially responsive to changing light conditions, taking on a different character as the conditions vary. At night, fluorescent illumination in the floor creates a psychedelic effect. During the day, bright sunlight brings out the moving effect. Osmosis is an environmental work that marks the change between the urban development and the parkland. It is a poetic interpretation of the flow of stormwater from Olympic Plaza and the cleansing action of the soil, air and wetland treatment ponds.

To view a video on the “Osmosis” artwork visit the Urban Art Audio Video Gallery.