The City of Melbourne has just unveiled its latest public art commission at Royal Park: a series of weather-resistant steel pods, handcrafted by Matthew Harding.

Titled Fruition, the installation is inspired by the relationship between urban living and the natural environment. Even the material—cor-ten steel—is significant, as the metal encourages a protective rust-layer forming on its surface. The pods will change with the weather and age ‘naturally’ in the park.

Harding, a sculptor, furniture designer and craftsman, explains that the work reflects on the creative process and human nature: “Fruition is also a word play for the creative process. From the seed of our ideas we germinate the fruits of our labour.

“The regenerative quality of human nature to rise from the ashes of our hardships has its parallels in nature, from the inner vitality of the quiescent seed our hidden potential awaits favorable conditions for alchemy and growth.”

The City of Melbourne Arts & Culture Portfolio Chair, Councillor Rohan Leppert, is delighted with the commission and the way the artwork will contribute to the city landscape.

“Royal Park is Melbourne’s largest park and an important piece of open space for the city. Royal Park will be the perfect host to Fruition, with the pods nestled in the kangaroo grass indigenous to the parkland,” said Cr Leppert.

“Artworks in public spaces are accessible to all and are a very important and influential part of Melbourne’s cultural identity. Council wants to ensure the city’s reputation as Australia’s arts and culture capital continues to grow.”

Fruition can be viewed at the gateway to Royal Park, on the corner of Elliot Ave and Flemington Road.