A South Wharf Installation

Melbourne's second Hilton Hotel (the other is in East Melbourne near the MCG) is at South Wharf in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct. You will probably hear the locals calling it Jeff's Shed - after the former Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett. It should not be confused (but often is) with the beautiful World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building located next to the Melbourne Museum in Carlton.

World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building - often draped with hideous advertising signage (pink today!) - a scandal in my opinion (wikipedia)

Anyway back to the Hilton South Wharf! Behind the reception desk at the hotel is a clever instillation which I popped in to see again recently. I'm told by the staff that it receives a lot of comments - some guests love it and some hate it. I think it is terrific!

It looks like a 3 dimensional indigenous work of art but....

Let's get closer and .....

It's thousands of scourers!

The work is by Dani Marti and is titled Time is fire in which we burn (after John) - 2009. Personally I think it should be called Scour, Scour, Scour but ..... And if you installed it at home you could help yourself to the odd one and no-one would notice!

Incidentally the hotel is currently hosting the 2014 Hidden Faces of the Archibald Prize in the foyer (not competing with Scour, Scour, Scour!!) It is known in art circles as the Victorian Salon des Refusés, and is open exclusively to Victorian artists. They were setting up the free exhibition which runs until 15 October. Here are a couple of well-known faces

Former Premier Ted Baillieu

The husband of Kathy Lette (!) - Mr Hypothetical Geoffrey Robertson QC!

And while you are in the area have a look at the lovely old National Trust tall ship the Polly Woodside moored right outside Jeff's Shed. It is open daily for on-board tours.

The Polly Woodside 'moored' in front of Jeff's Shed!

South Wharf is finally becoming an interesting precinct. It has taken a looonnnnng time. But is worth a visit - not just to see Scour, Scour, Scour but the area.Incidentally don't confuse South Wharf with Docklands - it's on the other side of the Yarra. From the cottage you can take the 75 tram right to the door!