A Fortunate Series of Events

THE intermingling of light, sound, and colour is awaiting everyone who enters the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Hugh Williamson Foyer.

With about 15 projectors suspended from the ceiling, the works of surrealist artist Melinda Muscat are being coupled with the engineering sensibilities of Zlatko Balazic and John McKee, working together as Human Designs.

The end result, called A Fortunate Series of Events, has been on show since mid-June.

The project was recently hinted at with a display at the former visitor centre as part of White Night, and Balazic, who spearheaded the installation, said the title refers to its serendipitous origins.

“I was walking with John McKee and something drew us to the Mechanics’ Institute, and Paula [Nicholson, BMI president] was there and she greeted us,” he said.

“I told her who I was and she said she’d always wanted to have me do something at the Mechanics’ Institute. I told her I’d always wanted to do something there.

“It’s providing a space for artists to present their artwork in a completely unique way with projections and music to enhance their artwork.”

Balazic’s electrical engineering background extends to the early 1990s and he began fusing his expertise into creative practice in 2016 after being encouraged to do so by his artist sister-in-law Margie.

Muscat’s surrealistic imagery is complemented by four instruments crafted by Balazic, which attendees are able to touch, that will be rotated out to make room for different creations on a bi-weekly basis.

“I’ve been creating musical sculptures for the public since about 2016,” Balazic said. “Things that are musical but allow people to interact with them.

“You can see so much detail Melinda’s put into her images. I taught her a bit about how to use animation as well to explore another perspective of her artwork to bring in caricature and movement.”

A Fortunate Series of Events is on until the end of July, and Ms Nicholson said she’s excited to continue collaborating with Human Designs to enhance the venue.

“It’s really transformed the space,” she said. “This is a completely different use of the room and creates a very contemporary feel in the heritage building.

“We hope to use this type of installation, potentially in our renovated basement, to profile many local artists who are interested in digitising their work for projection.

“In essence, it’s creating another gallery space for the community.”

The exhibition is available to view during BMI library operating hours as well as by private booking.