A GROUP of four rather weird artworks that look like something dropped by Dr Who, the Tardis included, sits glinting in the sun at the corner of Edward and Turbot St. 

Although I pass them regularly and often stop to have a look at the inscriptions around them, I’ve never really quite understood this strange quartet.

Now I know.

Four abstract shapes cast in glimmering bronze, the Forme del Mito, which translates to Forms of Myth, lives up to its name.

It was designed in 1983 by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro (born in Morciano, Romagna in 1926) a renowned sculptor whose works have found their way around the globe.

The sculptures arrived in Brisbane, like many other pieces of street art now scattered around the city, for Expo 88.

When Expo closed, Brisbane City Council bought them and installed them pride of place in four separate sections in King George Square.

During renovations in 2007 they were moved to their current location and placed together as a cluster at the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder with seating around them.

As well as having more dramatic appeal in a group, I think it’s also an appropriate spot since I like to think of this area as Brisbane’s answer to the Spanish Steps (Day 11: Stepping Out) near King Edward Park (Day 12: Parking spot), a fitting spot for the work of an Italian sculptor.

The Forme del Mito is based on the Greek tragedy Agamemnon, each figure representing a principal character:

The pyramid is Il potere – Power – Agamemnon

The rounded piece is L’ambizione – Ambition – Clytemnestra

The tall rectangle is La macchina – Machine – Aegisthus,

And the squat rectangle is La profezia – Prophecy – Cassandra

A low wall around them is not only a good spot to take a seat, but it also has inscriptions for a bit of light reading.