Must-see Art Installations in Greater Sydney

Look up, down or around and take all the art in.

Interloop

This poignant new art installation has just been unveiled at Wynyard Station. Commenting on the old, new, and our push into the future, it offers a great opportunity to reflect on the old ways of Wynyard.

Using the ancient escalators that were installed in 1931 (that many of you may remember getting your high heels stuck in), Australian contemporary artist Chris Fox has created a sweeping, intriguing and truly beautiful rooftop art piece.

Entitled ‘Interloop’, the 50-metre long art piece uses 244 steps from the old-school escalators. Taking six months to design, 12 weeks to build and two days to install, the effect is mesmerising, and well worth the tremendous effort of the construction team. Make sure to check it out if you’re in the area.

Where: The walk from the main concourse of Wynyard Station towards the York Street exit.

Forgotten Songs

Many people walk up or down George St and Pitt Street to get to or from Circular Quay. Most don’t even realise Angel Place is a must-see destination for food for the eyes. Originally commissioned as a temporary art installation, ‘Forgotten Songs’ has become a permanent piece in the pretty laneway at Angel Place.

Artist Michael Thomas Hill’s aim was to celebrate the song of 50 birds that formerly called Sydney city their home before settlement and industrialisation. With the majestic arrangement of birdcages, you will hear the call of these birds. As the day progresses and the light through the alley changes, so do the chirps. This installation is thought provoking and very appealing to the eye. Take the detour off the main streets to see the plethora of hanging perfection.

Where: Angel Place – between George and Pitt Streets, adjacent to Martin Place.

Still Life with Stone and Car

American-born artist Jimmie Durham has created an outdoor urban installation that blends perfectly into the cement and asphalt of Walsh Bay. The wrecked vehicle crushed by a massive boulder that makes ‘Still Life with Stone and Car’ certainly captures peoples’ attention. The striking image is hard to miss at the roundabout on Hickson Road.

Where: Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.

Rock Art

Don’t forget the more organic art offerings. Visit Royal National Park or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to see Indigenous rock paintings and carvings that are unique to the greater Sydney area and are up to 5000 years old. A feast for the senses and worth a tiny road trip, these outdoor ancient art exhibitions are both interesting and educational.

Where: Royal National Park – Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, NSW
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Bobbin Head Road, NSW

words by emily carstairs