Yhonnie Scarce's In Absence permanently installed at Mona
The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart has unveiled a remarkable nine-meter wooden tower named In Absence, created by artist Yhonnie Scarce alongside architects Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland of Edition Office. This striking installation overlooks Berriedale Bay and is now a permanent attraction, accessible to visitors daily from 11am to 4pm. Initially commissioned for the 2019 NGV Architecture Commission, it received the Small Project Architecture Award in 2020. Those visiting during Dark Mofo, which runs until June 22, can explore this circular work featuring 1,400 hand-blown glass elements that provoke reflection on Indigenous histories and issues.
Key facts
- In Absence is a nine-metre-high timber tower by Yhonnie Scarce and Edition Office.
- The work was originally the 2019 NGV Architecture Commission.
- It received the Small Project Architecture Award at the National Architecture Awards in 2020.
- The installation is now permanently installed at Mona in Hobart, overlooking Berriedale Bay.
- It features 1400 hand-blown glass murrnong (daisy yam) forms by Scarce.
- Dark Mofo festival runs until 22 June 2025.
- The design is inspired by traditional Indigenous stone eel traps.
- Co-architect Aaron Bridgland says the work addresses the myth of terra nullius.
Entities
Artists
- Yhonnie Scarce
- Aaron Roberts
- Kim Bridgland
- Aaron Bridgland
Institutions
- Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)
- Edition Office
- NGV Architecture Commission
- National Architecture Awards
- Dark Mofo
Locations
- Hobart
- Australia
- Berriedale Bay
- Maralinga
- South Australia