For the striking Bourke & Bowden development along Bourke Street by John Wardle Architects for Time & Place, Guan Wei proposes a beautiful installation entitled Salvation – play with a cloud No.1,2,3,4. The public art proposal responds to a brief developed by Amanda as public art curator, in collaboration with Time & Place and John Wardle architects, that asked artists to respond with an artwork that engages with the diverse local community and histories of the area, as well as the outstanding architectural design by John Wardle. Guan Wei was selected from a shortlist of four exceptional artists with varied practices from diverse backgrounds.

Guan Wei’s proposal is a development of his signature abstracted figurative forms in black bronze. Placed throughout the entrance and internal courtyard it references cross-cultural aspects of eastern and western history and philosophy, and responds to the social history of the area. The artwork in particular addresses the important role of migration to this vibrant multicultural community in the past, present and future, especially the importance of the nearby Yiu Ching Chinese temple to Chinese migrants arriving in Sydney and needing a place to connect with their culture, community, spiritual beliefs, family and friends. In the artists words, the figures “represent an intimate relationship of mankind with nature. The three sculptures embody a humorous as well as solemn attitude, showcasing a calm, free-spirited and contented condition of humankind and its harmony with nature.”

Guan Wei’s artwork portrays and embodies a sense of hope that is manifest when embarking on a journey of migration or asylum, and conveys a sense of inner strength, peace with oneself and wellbeing.

As public art curator Amanda continues to work closely with Guan Wei and his team at Blueprint, Time & Place and John Wardle architects to drive, facilitate and manage the artwork development through to completion when it is to be installed in August 2024.

Images: Time & Place and Blueprint