Bare walls as the Assembly building is emptied for refurbishment
17 December 2015 | Canberra, Australia | Feature
Preparations for refurbishment of the Assembly is underway, with the small but significant art collection being taken down and stored for safe keeping.
One of the signature pieces, a glass work called Fused Glass (1998) by Claus Moje that was displayed in the building foyer, was commissioned following the last building refurbishment in 1994. The work, a striking formal grid pattern with flaming colours was designed to reflect both the discipline and passion of the political process, and the significance of the Legislative Assembly within the ACT.
Klaus Moje, a prominent artist, teacher, and mentor, chose Canberra as his home town after moving to Australia from Germany. In 2000, he was awarded the international Glass Art society’s lifetime achievement award has contributed to Canberra’s reputation as a centre for excellence in glass works.
The Assembly building will undergo extensive refurbishment works ahead of the 2016 ACT elections, which will see the Assembly expand to 25 members. Art displays including along the London Circuit corridor, which is visible from the street, will resume when the building works are complete.