The Forest Of Dreams

The Forest of Dreams? What the F#&K?! I lived just of Gouger street when these words were installed in Hurtle Square and I still think they are the most ridiculous things in the entire city. Ahhhh, but many of you are probably objecting, siting such Adeliade icons as th Malls Balls, Pigs or even the ‘Whirlies’ near ETSA Park in the West Parklands (which I grant are also stupid)…but really?
I realise the reason behind the wording, but would the average Joe driving past? No! They would probably be confused as all hell that there is no forrest to be seen and slam into a traffic light!
In terms of green space around the ‘thought piece’, Hurtle Square is probably the most under used of the five major squares in Adelaide and I dare say that the installation has not increased the patronage… though I dare say the numbers of buzzed out stoners may be on the up?! Duuuuuuuuuude!

I don’t get it.
I remember asking my Dad when I was about eight where the forest was because all I could see was numerous blades of grass. I just read Kristy’s review and she explains the meaning but still, not a fan.
Why is there so much dodgy art in Adelaide? If the Malls Balls weren’t shiny would any body like them? The writing is rusted metal which I by no means ever want to touch, let alone sit on (there are seats behind the writing).
It bothers me that when I drive past the phrase «The Forest Of Dreams» starts repeating over in my head.

I like art. This isn’t art. This is bullshit.
Art makes you think. If that’s your sole definition of art though, then maybe this qualifies these four eyesores as such, but honestly, it’s just out of place and doesn’t add anything to the space at all, apart from confused looking foreign tourists, trying to work out what order the words are supposed to be in.
And if it’s a forest, then really, there’s a serious lack of trees. I suppose Lightly Treed Paddock of Dreams doesn’t have the same ring to it, though.
No, let’s just be honest. It’s bullshit. If I could delete the one star I gave it in a burst of spontaneous enthusiasm, I would have done so.

Let’s admit it: public, government-​funded installation art in general, blows.
Don’t you feel better having gotten that off of your chest? Yes? However, as much as public art can be/​is bland and safe and colourless and outright boring, I do admit I kind of dig this.
Every time I drive by this intersection, I like to see those words hit my eyeballs. They’re a bit corny, maybe, but the font is aesthetically pleasing, and I like the sentiment. I didn’t know the context behind the piece, or who their creator was (in fact, Anton Hart was one of my teachers in high school), until I read Kristy’s review.
But I’m a believer in art — especially of the public variety — firmly speaking for itself without any contextualisation or concept. And I feel this piece does.

On the four corners of Hurtle Square at the intersection of Pulteney and Halifax Streets in the city, you’ll find a piece of installation art that evokes something ethereal and childlike in us all, The Forest Of Dreams. No it’s not a reference to the Kevin Costner movie, that was The Field of Dreams!
Normally I’m not a big fan of installation art but when I do see something that touches me, I’ll be a fan forever. Created in 2003 by artist Anton Hart The Forest Of Dreams is four oversized words placed on the inside corners of the square. Surprisingly the letters making up the words are made of metal. From a distance they look like they’re made of wood.
The phrase The Forest Of Dreams is one borrowed from French Philosopher Gaston Bachelard and the idea behind the piece is to evoke an understanding of the land prior to beginning of white settlement. I love the fact there are seats located by each word so people can sit and admire the piece but I have to admit I’ve never seen anyone actually do that. Nevertheless this piece always makes me smile when I pass by so in that way, at least from my perspective I think it’s a wonderful piece of art.