Melbourne Art Foundation + HOTA Gallery Commission Unveiled

The Melbourne Art Foundation Commission in partnership with HOTA Gallery, and supported by Artwork transport, has been unveiled ahead of the gallery’s opening next month. The site-specific commission was awarded to Sri-Lankan born, Warrang/Sydney based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, known for creating rough-edged, vibrant, new-age idols.

Established in 2006, the Melbourne Art Foundation commissions program provides a living artist with a rare opportunity to realise a large-scale work for unveiling at Melbourne Art Fair, which is later gifted to a prominent Australian institution. Although unable to be shown at the 2020 Melbourne Art Fair due to COVID-19, visitors will be able to see the monumental, six-metre high sculpture at the entrance to the new HOTA Gallery, set to open 8 May 2021.

Melbourne Art Fair spoke with Nithiyendran about his inspiration and process in developing this work, and of the importance of commissions to support living artists. Watch the full video above.

Artwork credit: Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Double-faced avatar with blue figure 2021, bronze, fibreglass, concrete, neon, acrylic. Collection, HOTA Gallery. Commissioned by Melbourne Art Foundation and HOTA for the Gallery opening 2021. Film produced by Art/Vid.

Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran is represented by Sullivan+Strumpf, Warrang/Sydney.

Artwork Transport is the Official Transport Partner of Melbourne Art Fair and one of Australia’s leading domestic art transportation providers offering National coverage.