International artists announced for Queen’s Wharf

The Star Entertainment Group has announced two internationally acclaimed artists, whose sculptures have previously been exhibited across the USA, UK and Europe, will feature as part of the unique public arts precinct at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

Highly sought-after sculptures from world-renowned British artist Sir Antony Gormley and the American contemporary creative Tom Friedman will join the seven Australian artworks already announced and nearing completion to be installed across the 12 football fields of public space in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

Antony Gormley’s Fold II is a thought-provoking iron and steel sculpture depicting a couple in a tender embrace.

While a larger-than-life three-metre-high aluminium man created by Tom Friedman, called Looking Up, which was previously on display in New York’s Rockefeller Centre, will be showcased at the grassed riverfront space, The Landing.

Highly respected art figure Philip Bacon AO, who led the Specialist Arts Advisory panel to curate the public art gallery said, “the inclusion of these two pieces from such internationally revered artists further highlights the quality and appeal of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane as a cultural destination,” he said.

“The Star’s commitment to art and cultural content has been unwavering.”

“The end result once all are in place will be one of the most complete arts precincts in the country and a major point of difference for Brisbane.”

Mr Bacon said the two international art pieces have their own distinctive appeal and message but both artists are known for exploiting unusual materials to stimulate public interest and discussion.

Fold II is made of corten steel, also known as weathered steel, which will develop a rusted earthy appearance over time when left to the natural elements, but It’s Looking Up that Mr Bacon believes will become an iconic addition to the tourism precinct.

“First of all, the scale and size of the polished stainless-steel sculpture will be a drawcard,” Mr Bacon said.

“Up close it will be overwhelmingly fascinating as people will be able to identify a range of aluminium household materials used by the artist.

“Unexpectedly, there are items such as steel strainers, forks, colanders, roasting trays and so much more, all crushed and moulded into this very special piece, which invites people to stand and look up to the clouds, blue sky or the stars.”

The Star Entertainment Group’s Managing Director and CEO, Robbie Cooke said all artworks will soon be installed and unveiled ahead of the $3.6 tourism development’s planned staged opening from April 2024.

“Brisbane already has a vibrant cultural reputation and The Star and our partners are proud to help amplify that further with the inclusion of these two internationally credentialled sculptures,” Mr Cooke said.

“From the outset we have been committed to support Queensland, First Nations and local Australian artists to help drive visitation and community connection.”

“The new Neville Bonner Bridge will link our precinct to South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Brisbane Entertainment & Exhibition Centre forming as a cross river cultural connection for locals and the millions who will visit Brisbane including for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“The superior collection and calibre of the artworks assembled by our advisory panel is extraordinary.”

The Specialist Arts Advisory panel is led by highly regarded art figure Philip Bacon AO and as well as leading Indigenous curator and arts administrator Avril Quaill and former Director of the Institute of Modern Art, Liz Nowell.

The two additional artworks have been sourced by the highly regarded K11 Art Foundation whose founder is part of the joint venture partnership.

The Star is the lead consortium partner for the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development, being delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium.

Other artworks already announced include:

• Being Swallowed by the Milky Way, An eight-metre high, eight tonne bronze sculpture by internationally renowned artist Lindy Lee
• Lungfish Dreamz, A supersized mosaic wall mural of Australian lungfish by local artist Samuel Tupou
• A Cottage Year, A high-tech interactive digital light installation for the heritage listed The Printery Office by husbandand-wife team Alinta Krauth and Jason Nelson
• Sheila, A larger-than-life five tonne goddess-like bronze sculpture by Justene Williams
• Inhabitant, An enormous 15 metre floating art garden depicting native plants by exciting First Nations artist Tony Albert
• Destiny, A large-scale five metre high, aluminium sculpture of three mullet fish perched on a bull- shark shaped shelter by esteemed Indigenous artist, Wukun Wanambi