List of public art in South Australia facts for kids
This article is about the cool and interesting art you can find outdoors in South Australia. This list focuses on art that's out in the open, not pieces kept inside museums or private collections. It's like a treasure hunt for art in your city!
Adelaide's Outdoor Art Treasures
Adelaide is full of amazing public artworks. Let's explore some of the most famous and fun ones!
A Day Out: The Rundle Mall Pigs
Have you ever seen pigs exploring a shopping mall? In Rundle Mall, you can! The artwork called A Day Out features four bronze pigs. They look like they're having a great time exploring the city.
These pigs were created by an artist named Marguerite Derricourt. They were put in Rundle Mall in 1999. The Adelaide City Council asked for them to be made. The pigs have names: Truffles, Horatio, Oliver, and Augusta. They are a very popular spot for photos!
Paving Art on Rundle Street
As you walk along Rundle Street, look down! You might notice something special under your feet. The artwork called Paving Art Rundle St is made of thousands of coins. These coins are from all over the world and Australia. They are set right into the concrete pavers on both sides of the street. Michelle Nikou created this unique piece in 2006. It's a fun way to see a bit of history and art right on the ground.
The Fones at the University of Adelaide
At the University of Adelaide, there used to be two bright red sculptures called The Fones. Jonathon Dady made them in 1992. They were shaped like parts of the inner ear and musical notes. There were originally three of them.
Sadly, these sculptures were sometimes damaged. They were eventually moved from their original spot. It shows how outdoor art can face challenges!
Girl on a Slide
Also in Rundle Mall, you can find a bronze sculpture called Girl on a Slide. This fun artwork was made by John Dowie in 1977. It captures a playful moment, making you feel like a kid again!
Old Dog
Old Dog is a very unique sculpture by Craige Andrae. It looks like a giant pink balloon animal! This artwork was first placed on Union Street. Later, it moved to its current spot. You can find it on the corner of Franklin and Bowen streets. It's right outside the Adelaide Central Bus Station. Craige Andrae created this playful piece in 2010.
Spheres: The Mall's Balls
One of Adelaide's most famous artworks is called Spheres. Most people know it as the "Mall's Balls"! It's made of two shiny stainless steel spheres, one on top of the other. You can find it in Rundle Mall.
The artist, Bert Flugelman, created this sculpture in 1977. It was originally named On Further Reflection. The Hindmarsh Building Society paid for it. They then gave it to the Adelaide City Council. It has become a symbol of Adelaide and a popular meeting spot.
Progress
On what used to be the David Jones building in Rundle Mall, you can see an artwork called Progress. It's made of copper. This piece was designed by Lyndon Dadswell, a very skilled Australian sculptor.
Progress represents the "spirit of progress." It was installed in 1963, a few years after it was finished in 1959. Dadswell learned from another famous sculptor, Rayner Hoff, who made the National War Memorial in South Australia.
Robert Burns Statue
On North Terrace, there's a statue of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. It was made by William J. Maxwell in 1894. The statue is carved from Angaston white marble.
The Adelaide Caledonian Society asked for this statue to be made. It shows Robert Burns reading his poem Winter's Night. Sir Thomas Elder helped pay for the statue, which cost £1,000. It was officially shown to the public on May 5, 1894.
Roy "Mo" Rene Statue
.jpg)
On Hindley Street, you can find a bronze statue of Roy "Mo" Rene. He was a famous vaudeville and radio star. He was born not far from where his statue now stands.
Robert Hannaford created this statue in 2010. The Adelaide City Council asked for it to remember "Mo." The statue is positioned so that people can easily take photos with him. It's a fun way to remember a local legend!
South African War Memorial
At the corner of King William Street and North Terrace, stands the South African War Memorial. This impressive bronze statue was designed by Adrian Jones. It was put up in 1904.
This memorial was made to remember the people from South Australia who served in the Second Boer War. It was the second public statue of a person on horseback to be unveiled in Australia. The stone base it stands on was designed by Garlick, Sibley and Wooldridge.
Untitled Sculptures
There are a couple of interesting "untitled" granite sculptures in Adelaide.
One is by Paul Trappe, made in 1979. You can find it in Hindmarsh Square.
Another untitled granite sculpture is by Ulrich Ruckriem, created in 1986. This one is located near the northern wall of the Art Gallery of South Australia. What's cool about this one is that it was carved right there on the spot!
Venere Di Canova
Adelaide's very first public statue was the Venere Di Canova. It's a marble copy of a famous work by Antonio Canova. This beautiful statue was given to the city by W A Horn in 1892. You can find it on North Terrace.
Tetrahedra (Festival Sculpture)
At the Adelaide Festival Centre plaza, you'll see a sculpture called Tetrahedra (Festival Sculpture). It's made of stainless steel and was created by Bert Flugelman in 1974. This artwork adds a modern touch to the area.
Art in Other South Australian Towns
While Adelaide has many artworks, other towns in South Australia also have their own unique public art.
Map the Miner in Kapunda
In the town of Kapunda, you can't miss Map the Miner. This giant statue was made by Ben van Zetten in 1988. It's made of fibreglass over a steel frame. You can find it on Gawler Road. It's a tribute to the mining history of the area.
Core Values in Port Noarlunga
In Port Noarlunga, there's an artwork called Core Values. Terry Beaston created this piece in 2013. It's made from cast cement, glass, ceramic, and colored oxides. It's a modern addition to the town's public spaces.
See also
