Willinga Plume
2014
Commissioned:
Terry Snow, Canberra Airport. April 2014
A tail feather from the Lyre bird, a bird unique to Australia was the inspiration for the sculpture. Conceived to celebrate this iconic bird, the sculpture also alludes to flight and travel.
The stainless steel feather inclines toward the terminal foyer, reflecting sunlight and sky and is itself reflected in the glass facades. At night the illuminated red glass wall within the foyer transforms the feather into a regal plume.
Over ten metres in height, the complex structure supporting the paired barbs of the feather appear to filibrate, creating an ambiguous illusion of reflection and reality.
Like the Lyre bird mimicking sound, Wilinga Plume is mimicked and reflected in the surrounding facades of the building.
Dimensions: Height 10500mm x Width 2800mm x Depth 800mm
Materials: Stem: 5mm Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel and finished and highly polished. Barbs: 5mm Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel and bead blasted and Electropolished.
Images: Courtesy Ginette Snow
