Jenny Holzer Sculpture, NSW Public Realm, RSHP Australia Images, Australian Design

8 Chifley Square Unveils Landmark Artwork

New South Wales Public Realm – architectural design by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

9 Jun 2014

8 Chifley Square Artwork in Sydney

Design: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP)

8 Chifley Square unveils landmark Jenny Holzer artwork for Sydney

I STAY (Ngaya ngalawa), the first permanent work by renowned American conceptual artist Jenny Holzer, has been unveiled at the 8 Chifley Square building in Sydney, Australia designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

The artwork features rotating songs, poems, stories and other texts by Aboriginal Australians and Torres Straight Islanders. The texts are presented on a scrolling electronic display fitted to a four-sided, 19-metre steel column at street level of the office building. Download high res images here.

Commenting on her inspiration for the work, Jenny Holzer said, “The text I chose was influenced by the site’s history and particulars, but the themes, such as love and survival, are universal. The first person voice in much of the writing makes the artwork alive and immediate, accessible to many.

Writing by Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander authors was most compelling; it illustrates that what happens to individuals and groups, happens to society. The human themes here make this public space integrate and honour the personal.”

The prominent artwork can be seen from a considerable distance in all directions and fulfils Holzer’s vision of the light and language travelling along the column to create an energising presence. The installation is a bold feature of the new six-storey public space at the foot of the building that completes Chifley Square.

Ivan Harbour, Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, said: “8 Chifley Square is RSHP’s first building project in Australia and we are delighted with how well it has been received by the city. Our design creates a new, significant area of public space to benefit Sydney and Jenny Holzer’s artwork, which reflects the dynamic atmosphere of the Square, is a fitting way to celebrate that achievement.”

Dramatically different to anything seen before on the Sydney skyline, the 34-storey office building is the product of a global collaboration between developer Mirvac, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Australia’s Lippmann Partnership.