A contemporary public art program returns this March, paying tribute to the Altona Meadows land artwork created in 1998 by New York-based environmental artist Agnes Denes.
Dear Agnes features new site-specific works by 12 artists and collectives that pay homage to the land artwork A Forest for Australia, and respond to local landscapes and environmental themes.
The exhibition will be held within the heritage buildings and grounds of Altona’s Truganina Explosives Reserve, just one kilometre from Denes’ land artwork.
The exhibition program follows the 2023 exhibition that celebrated A Forest for Australia’s 25th anniversary.
Dear Agnes is presented by Hobsons Bay City Council in partnership with Greater Western Water, RMIT University and Deakin University, with support from local community groups.
The exhibition, alongside a program of activities, will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 13 and 29 March.
Friday 13, 20 and 27 March - 10am-3pm
Saturday 14, 21 and 28 March - 11am-5pm
Sunday 15, 22 and 29 March - 11am-3pm
To celebrate A Forest for Australia’s 25th anniversary in 2023, Dear Agnes cast a new light on Denes’s work and vision for the site. This has been continued in 2026.
The exhibition will feature a mix of sculptural installation, digital works and diverse experiences.
2026 featured artists include:
About A Forest for Australia
In 1998, the Australia Council commissioned Denes, one of the world’s leading environmental artists, to create the work, a ‘forest’ of 6000 endangered tree species planted into five spirals in Altona Meadows.
The intention was that with trees at varying heights at maturity, the spirals would create a step pyramid, would create seed supply, and would help alleviate serious land erosion and desertification.
While the combination of soil type, plant species and the ravages of a decade-long drought saw the forest struggle to flourish initially, over the past decade a rejuvenation project has brought new life to the original site, which is on Greater Western Water’s land.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
“I am delighted Dear Agnes is back again after a successful 2023 exhibition. The exhibition not only showcases contemporary art, but gives locals and visitors a chance to experience a unique heritage site in Hobsons Bay.
“We are proud of our reputation as a creative city in Hobsons Bay. Hosting exhibitions such as Dear Agnes only further enhances that.”
Quotes attributable to Greater Western Water General Manager Service Delivery, Jodie Hallam
“Much like the Agnes Denes’ artwork which has brought us together, our partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council and its creative community continues to grow with each Dear Agnes exhibition.
“Building a thriving community is at the heart of what we do, and we’re delighted to once again come together this March to encourage the community to engage with this world-renowned artwork, as well as the chance to find a deeper appreciation of green spaces and connection to the environment.”