Public Water

video recce, Melbourne, North Wharf, River Yarra/Docklands, 5 April 2010 - binaural sound

 
Late afternoon (16:00 - 17:30) Closer reflections, detail fragmented, architectural form becomes liquified.  Low wind, low ripples. Binaural sound, some auto-level distortion/dropout due to breeze, headphones recommended.

video recce, Melbourne, Yarra north bank, 4 April 2010 - binaural sound

This time of the day (17:00 - 17:30) the river becomes quite reflective.  Low wind, mild ripples. First capture with binaural microphones - headphones recommended.

Reflections on reflections on water

In most cities there are large bodies of water. 

In London there is the River Thames
there are lakes in parks
the Serpentine in Hyde Park
numerous canals
Regent’s Canal.

In Melbourne there are also canals
which
unlike those in London
are constructed primarily for storm water drainage.

Not for transport.

In Melbourne there are the rivers Yarra
a fresh water river
and Maribyrnong
a salt water river.
There is Port Philip Bay
into which both rivers flow.


Public Water.

The idea of urban bodies of water as public space.

But what is ‘public’ about bodies of water? 

Urban space can be public
loose space
but it is often
increasingly
pseudo public
it is often
private space
where photography and filming is not allowed
without permission.

This has increased
with fear of terrorism
and photography in public space
can attract police attention.


What is the status of urban water? 

What is the nature
of the ownership of water
as
fluid public space
never twice stepped in.

Transport and Recreation.

Reflections on water
when photographed
what is the image?

Reflection is an image
water is a medium
and a lens
reflecting
and
reproducing
(albeit distorting).





Will the security guards at Canary Wharf allow me to photograph the buildings as reflected in the water?