Perth Voice Interactive

MOUNT LAWLEY artist Mel McVee has a trio of new curios installed around the CBD with her new public art project, Red Automaton. 

McVee’s a bit of a chameleon in the local art scenes, producing everything from playful kids’ murals for playgrounds to psychedelic chihuahua wall art to hand-welded mechanical sculptures.

The three sculptures are part of Perth city council’s Transart temporary public art series, and the little automatons are inspired by old-fashioned penny arcade machines.

The interactive sculptures each refer to a secret phrase involving the word “red” that punters have to work out by manipulating the knobs.

“It’s lovely watching people play with them,” McVee says. “Usually you can’t touch art, but in the public realm it should be interactive.

“I enjoy the viewer being part of the experience and by moving the handle that’s when the sculpture comes into its own because you see the reason behind it.”
They’re at Tiger Tiger Coffee Bar in Wolf Lane, Toastface Grillah in Grand Lane and Babooshka in the William Street Arcade till July 12.

by DAVID BELL