Write-ups and Critiques

Reproduction of news paper artical

Bird Totem - Adrian Mauriks

Sydney's Sculpture, 1988

A huge bronze sculpture stands in front of Qantas House, placed in the open plaza facing George Street. It is a recent addition to the sculptures of the city, having been unveiled in December 1988.

Two tall upright shapes form the lower part of the sculpture, rather like legs holding up the topmost section. At the top a horizontal shape is designed to resemble the wings of the bird from which the sculpture takes its name. The shapes of the whole piece are massive and weighty, but the height and the varied angular shapes enliven the visual impression. In paticular, the open space up through the centre of the sculpture adds a dynamic image of movement to the large solid forms.

The top part of the sculpture recalls the wings of a bird, a suitable emblem to be associated with the national airline.

Ann Lumley, 1988