Introducing Parkdale Station’s new public art

'Windsong’ by Melbourne artist Anne Ross consists of two bronze sculptures that capture historic and contemporary elements of Parkdale and is located in the new Parkdale Station precinct.

The sculptures, one standing 1.5m tall, and the other at a larger 1.8m bring together many elements to reflect the character of Parkdale, including local architectural, historical, social, and geographical themes.

Inspiration included former City of Mordialloc Mayor Shirley Burke and trailblazing local swimmer Annette Kellerman. Other elements include the local trader precinct, nearby Port Phillip Bay, and Parkdale’s 6500+ pet population.

“The sculpture references the past, the present and the future of Parkdale,” Anne said.

From our community consultation in October 2022, locals told us that they would like the artwork to be located in the new station precinct, woven throughout the new open space and in the village green. The sculptures are located on the western side of the open space, visible from the Como Parade West trader precinct.

Meet the artist

Anne is a Melbourne-based artist who works mainly with bronze sculptures. Her work is installed in various public locations around Australia, in Hong Kong and New York City. She has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions.

Spending childhood weekends on Port Phillip Bay and now having her studio based in Cheltenham, Anne has a personal connection to Parkdale and Melbourne’s Bayside.

How did you reflect Parkdale in these sculptures?

There are numerous symbols I included in the works, inspired by my research and personal experience of the local area.

The one-piece bathing suit and cap, worn by both figures references local international swimming champion Annette Kellerman, who moved to the area with her parents in 1902. She was one of the first women to wear a one-piece bathing suit, which was controversial at the time, and she advocated for a women’s right to wear a one-piece starting her own line of bathing suits, among many other successful pursuits.

There is also my interpretation of a miniature representation of the Shirley Burke Theatre ‘The Winter Garden’, to acknowledge the important work and time the former Mayor dedicated to shaping Parkdale. Shirley moved to Bethel Avenue in Parkdale with her parents in the early 1950s and became deeply involved in driving many community projects, serving as mayor in the 1960s – always acting with the community at heart.

The sculptures also feature boats, an obvious connection to the bay, as are the birds. The three birds may also be seen as representing flight into the future. There are five buildings included within one of the pieces. These may be viewed as the five original shops in Parkdale, the old bathing boxes, some stables or houses – all elements that are part of Parkdale’s past and present. And of course, the dog represents the beloved local Parkdale pet population.

“Both of the figures are facing the future straight on, while acknowledging the past”.

What do you hope people will get out of your artwork?

I hope for the local community to connect with the sculptures, and draw on their own experiences to deepen their understanding and reflection of the area.

The works are intended to be open to interpretation on different levels, by individual viewers with differing viewpoints, with the aim of enabling a longevity for the works.

I hope the community takes ownership of the works and that the sculptures become an integral part of the landscape of Parkdale into the future.

You can learn more about Anne by visiting her website.