Public art often demands your attention, but “There, Now, Here” at Vivid Sydney dares you to jump in and experience it. Towering at 6.5 meters, this kinetic installation by Brooklyn-based duo Wade and Leta spins and twirls at Circular Quay. It’s set in motion by wind, motors, and intrigued passersby eager to try the see-saw embedded in its design. Each visit offers fresh perspectives, subtle movements, and reflections of light, resulting in an ever-changing masterpiece.
Unlike traditional art, this installation encourages you to participate. Here, you become as much a part of the artwork as the creators themselves. The line distinguishing observer from artist blurs, redefining what public installations can be. While most public art asks you to look, this one wants to be experienced.
The inspiration behind the colors
The installation’s color palette draws from Dorothea Mackellar’s 1908 poem “My Country,” a cherished piece of Australian literature. Its muted tones and black and white stripes evoke Mackellar’s “sunburnt country,” visually echoing the Australian landscape. This palette represents a thoughtful homage from two New York designers who ventured across the globe and creatively interpreted a historic poem into a kinetic sculpture.
A symphony of local sounds
Adding depth to the visual aspect is a sound component by Josh Burgess, capturing Circular Quay’s vibrant atmosphere. The piece integrates the natural and urban sounds—water lapping on rocks, light rail bells, and pedestrian signals. Interactive controls allow visitors to shape these sounds, enhancing the immersive experience. Central to this soundscape is the lyrebird, famed for mimicking diverse noises, symbolizing the intertwining of culture and environment.
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Wade and Leta’s bold Australian debut
Known for their innovative and playful large-scale projects, Wade and Leta showcase their creativity in Australia with this engaging installation. At Circular Quay, a bustling public space, “There, Now, Here” doesn’t just exist; it commands attention. It’s a testament to their ability to create work that resonates profoundly with both place and audience.
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More than just a festival piece
Vivid Sydney often features impressive international talent, and this installation is no exception. It transcends a mere festival commission, instead representing a dialogue between two international artists and the Australian landscape and culture they’ve sought to understand. Wade and Leta’s work exemplifies that making meaningful art doesn’t necessitate being a local—just paying close attention. “There, Now, Here” remains at Circular Quay as part of Vivid Sydney’s 2026 program. If you find yourself nearby, take the opportunity to engage with this lively, thought-provoking art piece.
Source: yankodesign.com