ABBOTSFORD CONVENT by Lauren O’Donnell & Adam Dwyer

In a rendition called Suburb Series, architects Lauren O’Donnell & Adam Dwyer from ODD Studio, draw Melbourne suburbs, viewed from above.

Each drawing is a static image, deep in information about, planning, history, geography, construction, solar and time. Pieced together from a blend of archived maps and aerial photographs, the drawings embed a personal emotion, felt with the rich belonging to a connection of place.

Abbotsford Convent is located on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. 

During the 19^th and early 20^th century the 6.8-hectare site was occupied by one of the largest convents in Victoria. Positioned adjacent to the bend of the Yarra River west of Yarra Bend Park, the Collingwood Children’s Farm sits to its north and east, with the river and parklands to its south and housing to its west. In 2017 the Convent was added to the National Heritage List for its recognition as a place of outstanding historic value to Australia and the Commonwealth.   

The rendition features the 11 buildings on site: the Convent, Convent Annexe, St Euphrasia, Providence, Rosina, St Mary’s, Mercator, Magdalen Laundries, Sacred Heart, Industrial School, and St Anne’s. 

Drawn on the date of the autumnal equinox, the piece captures the sun directly over the equator, marking the beginning of the fall when the sun is at its lowest point and the time when the spectacle of shadow is most present across the city. The render reveals this active relationship of ‘Shadow’ and ‘Light’ in Melbourne's public spaces, arterial streets, and residences.

As the city’s urban settlement is evolving, Abbotsford Convent provides a memory of which shadows are cast from the year 2022.

LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

A limited edition print run of 50 (fifty)

Each print is embossed with the ODD Studio marking & numbered. All ‘Limited Edition Prints’ are accompanied with a certificate of authenticity.

SIZE

600mm by 600mm

PAPER

Archival Pigment Print on Canson Printmaking Rag 310gsm – 100% cotton, white, no OBA’s

Individually printed at our local Melbourne print shop, all prints are printed with archival pigment ink using the Giclee method. The fine art Giclee embeds the sharpest detail and highest resolution.

FRAMING

Tasmanian Oak Frame - (600mm x 600mm) 

All framed prints have a clear glass facing, archival mounted to 5mm foamboard to avoid future slipping and warping.