Chrysalid is a 10.8m high kinetic sculpture that references the 1955 John Wyndham novel The Chrysalids, set in a post-apocalyptic town where nature evolves permutations of itself.
Price’s sculptures are highly engineered and seamlessly created works that aim to defy the rational. With no motor, Chrysalid’s frond-like arms twist and turn in the wind, creating an eye-catching movement.
“Being an artist, not a scientist, I look from the outside in at the scientific world with the wonderment of a child,” said Price.
The sculpture has been generously donated by the wife of the artist, Claire Mitchell, through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. Chrysalid was Price’s wedding gift to his wife.
The sculpture was formally welcomed to the La Trobe Sculpture Park on Tuesday 30 May by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony McGrew.
“The sculpture not only showcases La Trobe’s new brand ‘All Kinds of Clever’, it is also all kinds of beautiful,” said Professor McGrew.
Price has extensively exhibited his work to great acclaim in numerous outdoor exhibitions and projects, including Peninsula Link, Frankston and Auckland International Airport. His work is held in numerous collections throughout Australia, New Zealand, America and Europe.
Picture: Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Tony McGrew, with artist Phil Price and donor Claire Mitchell
