Public Art
The Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, but it is more than just a road project. It will also create an entry statement to Brisbane, transforming one of the city’s most significant routes into a vibrant urban corridor with the Brisbane River as the centerpiece.
Public artwork is being commissioned and installed to encourage residents and visitors to explore this well-known but less frequently visited reach of the river.
One of the key pieces of artwork to be included is a series of 10 art beacons. The art beacons are designed to maximise public access to the river and create way-finding markers to encourage exploration and make it easier for visitors to move around the local area.
The project is proud to announce Kenji Uranishi has been selected to deliver his art beacon concept as part of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade. For more information on Kenji’s concept and other artworks installed as part of the upgrade, please see below.
The first two of Kenji’s 10 art beacons were installed at Cameron Rocks Reserve in mid-April 2019.
Artist Announcement
The project is proud to announce Kenji Uranishi has been selected to deliver his ‘Magnificent Flying Machines’ art beacon concept as part of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.
Kenji’s art beacons are one of the key pieces of public artwork being installed across the project. The unique way finding markers will help to create a new entry statement to Brisbane, encouraging residents and visitors to explore this well-known but less frequently visited reach of the river.
The design of the beacons was selected following consideration of their location, artistic merit and community feedback.
Kenji’s beacons take inspiration from two ground breaking Australian aviators and Hamilton locals, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Maude ‘Lores’ Bonney. He intertwines these courageous aviators pioneering spirit and passion for adventure with the awe inspiring, determined journey of an orchard swallowtail butterfly, the largest butterfly common to Brisbane.
The first two of Kenji’s 10 art beacons were installed at Cameron Rocks Reserve in mid-April 2019. The remaining eight art beacons will be located at key locations along Kingsford Smith Drive, as shown on the map below.
Click map to enlarge
An artist impression of Kenji’s Magnificent Flying Machines Design
Artist Profile
Kenji Uranishi is a Japanese-born, Brisbane-based artist who explores ideas around nature and the built environment, place and belonging.
Kenji has exhibited work across Australia and Japan, and is featured in public spaces including the redeveloped Ipswich courthouse and 400 George Street, Brisbane. www.kenjiuranishi.com.au
The Women’s Journey
A separate series of ground level artworks will also be featured along Kingsford Smith Drive, which will explore stories and concepts specifically related to Brisbane women.
Australian artist Judy Watson will interpret this concept and develop works that reflect the spirit and history of the area.
More information about the Women’s Journey will be available later in 2019 as the design progresses.