FIDO (Fairfield Industrial Dog Object)
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Fairfield Industrial Dog Object (FIDO) is a huge hardwood canine near Fairfield train station, Fairfield, Victoria, Australia. It was part of the Darebin City Council's Public Art Program.
It was created by artists Ian Sinclair, Jackie Staud, David Davies and Alistair Knox. It is made from recycled Australian hardwood and was erected in April 2000. The public artwork, which is 5.5 metres tall and eight metres long, is said to represent the precinct's dog-loving community. It has built-in sensors that are meant to make it talk to passers-by, wag its tail, wiggle its ears and light up at night, but the technology stopped working a while ago.
Artists Ian Sinclair, Jacki Staude, David Davies and Alistair Knox wrote the following when describing FIDO (from CREATING PLACE: Public Art Policy and Practice in Darebin):
'FIDO responds to the friendly, busy Fairfield Village: conceptually, practically and literally. The usage of materials, the form and the interactive nature of the work are all designed to enhance the sense of community and enjoyment of a unique place. Our Fairfield Industrial Dog Object will be a unifying force, the “pet” that belongs to the community and yet responds to and is remembered by visitors. FIDO watches over the shopping strip, is recognisable from a distance and captivating up close. Through the use of sensors and digital control it is able to be activated in fascinating and unpredictable ways. The selected site at the corner of Wingrove Avenue and Station Streets has enabled us to design a work of monumental scale which will have a strong presence, provide a unifying focus and become a landmark identified with Fairfield.'
