Public Installations
These intricate sculptures by Charles Rocco are hand-wrought from galvanized wire mesh metal fabric. The transparency of material and openness of construction are intended to imply gossamer shells that subtly dissolve into, rather than dominate, the surrounding space. Inspired by the spider’s web, these sculptures whisper their presence; contrasting the paradoxical qualities of frailty and tenuous endurance.
Solar Flair. 1994.
Wire mesh, stainless steel.
400 x 200 x 200cm.
Glen Eira Arts Centre.
Caulfield, Victoria.
© Charles Rocco
“The mesh sculptures suggest computer generated imagery and will give the Arts Complex a stronger sense of identity and community focus.”
T. Rollison, Director – Caulfield Arts Complex, 1994
Aeonian Abode. (atrium detail). 1995.
Wire mesh, stainless steel.
500 x 150 x 150cm.
Caulfield, Krivanek & Sugar Architects.
© Charles Rocco
Immanent Infinite. (detail). 1995.
Wire mesh, steel.
1200 x 600 x 200cm.
National Sculpture Forum.
Canberra Central Plaza.
© Charles Rocco
Elemental Flow. (detail). 1997.
Wire mesh, steel rod.
250 x 2000 x 600cm.
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science Centre.
Hobart, Tasmania.
© Charles Rocco
WIYIM Urban Totem. (detail). 1997.
(What Is Yours Is Mine).
Painted paper. 12 storey Lend Lease Building (north and east facades).
Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Collaboration between Maggie McCormack and Charles Rocco.
© Charles Rocco and Maggie McCormack
WIYIM was an expression of our unmitigated dedication to the god we have anointed above all others - MAMMON: a false god of riches, greed and avarice. It was erected on the two facades of the Lend Lease Building in Melbourne to be a direct contrast to the recently completed Crown Casino on the other side of the Yarra River to remind us that the commercial forces aligned to entice us away from our savings are significantly more powerful and adept than we wish to admit. We each hope that we will be the David that defeats this Goliath and return home with our newly won riches rather than an empty wallet.
Fish Flurry. (detail). 2000.
Wire mesh.
400 x 250 x 500cm.
Melbourne Aquarium.
© Charles Rocco
Flight of Fanny. 2000.
Wire mesh, plastic, brass.
250 x 150 x 100cm.
National Australia Bank permanent collection.
© Charles Rocco
People Quadrant. (detail). 2001.
Wire mesh, chicken wire.
180 x 180 x 600cm.
National Museum of Australia, Canberra.
© Charles Rocco
Resurrection of Christ. Altarpiece. 2002.
Wire mesh, river stones, copper.
500 x 200 x 150cm.
Catholic Parish, Eltham, Victoria.
© Charles Rocco
“Your crucifix here is the centrepiece of all and is regarded with awe by most parishioners and visitors alike… people remark how poignant is the experience.”
Fr. Barry Caldwell, Eltham Parish, April 2003.
Fanny Squadron. (detail). 2003.
Wire mesh, plastic.
300 x 150 x 120cm.
Tintern Schools, East Ringwood, Victoria.
© Charles Rocco
Lismore Mall, N.S.W.
Food court ceiling, entrance and escalator well. 2004.
Brambuck Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Brambuck Shields. 2006.
Wire mesh, steel rod.
500 x 500 x 20cm.
Brambuck Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Halls Gap, Victoria.
© Charles Rocco
Fawkner Mausoleum
Archangel St. Gabriel. 2007.
Wire mesh, steel rod, stainless steel.
360 x 220 x 140cm.
St. Gabriel Mausoleum, Fawkner Cemetery, Victoria.
© Charles Rocco
WIYIM Urban Totem Poster 2009
Poster displayed on the Metropolitan Melbourne Rail Network carriages for the autumn 2009 “Moving Galleries” Transformation Exhibition in partnership with Creative Spaces.