About the artist
Russell Anderson has been a full-time artist for over 20 years, making public art commissions, community projects, theatre design and festivals. Russell has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) and a Master of Arts from Queensland University of Technology. Anderson's art and design practice is focused on whimsical kinetic sculpture, play and interactivity. Anderson believes people should be able to access art without needing an arts degree. His craft and finesse, together with a distinctive capacity for storytelling, produce highly imaginative forms brought to life by inventive narratives.
About the work
Apparatus for Transtemporal Relocations of Impending Space is a collaboration with Vic Roads and Stonnington Council.
The exterior of the Transtemporal Occurrence of Impending Space pays tribute to the steampunk genre. There are hints of art deco architecture too. Part of his 'Imagined History' series, this artwork has some truth and a little fantasy. Read Anderson's imagined narrative below that brought Transtemporal Occurrence of Impending Space into existence:
The Apparatus for Transtemporal Occurrence of Impending Space was a 19th century invention, created to see possible futures. The machine was recently restored after 80 years, having been 'misplaced' in Council storage, but the predictive automaton is permanently jammed on a fictional vision of Melbourne in the 1930s - as envisaged by its 19th-century inventors.
In 1917, the Burke Road tram was established, intersecting the existing train line at Glen Iris. The varying power requirements for the two systems required a signal frame and levers to switch between train and tram traffic. A level-crossing accident between a train and a tram in 1923 triggered experimentation into automation. This revealed something strange. The Burke Street Level Crossing was built on a nexus, a midway point between multiple destinations and dimensions!
In 2016, the cataloguing of the switch house and signal box, dismantled during the level crossing removal, uncovered a curious gadget identified as an Apparatus for Transtemporal Relocations of Impending Space. Described as an inter-dimensional switching apparatus, it allowed the user to shift between dimensions via various transport types. The machine worked by folding time and space, transporting the user to one of several 'tuned' convergence points. Forgotten in storage for many years, this apparatus and its location at the nexus reveals that this is no ordinary transport junction.
Recent cataloguing of the switch house and signal box in preparation for upcoming works uncovered some items of significant interest in the signal box’s underfloor area - a curious apparatus with its signal frame and levers and an accompanying manual that describes the Apparatus for Transtemporal Relocations of Impending Space as an inter-dimensional switching apparatus allowing the user to shift between dimensions via a range of transport types including zeppelin, submarine, train, tram and automobile. The machine folds time and space, transporting the user to one of several ‘tuned’ convergence points. It appears that the apparatus was never put to official use as there was no way for travellers to return once they ported into another dimension.
Did you know?
Apparatus for Transtemporal Relocations of Impending Space is interactive! People can interact with this beautiful artwork at the City of Stonnington. When operated, the four levers switch lighting and internal mechanisms in the sculpture. Make sure to have a go on your next visit!
Who can remember that?
With such a long title, there is no wonder that many, including local resident Michael D. Sainsbery, have renamed it the 'new Gardiner Box Time Machine!'
Keep an eye out for
Another work from the 'Imagined Histories' series from Russell Anderson can be found at the Middle Promenade, North Wharf, Docklands.