Go see

completed 2011

In Between Two Worlds by artist Jason Wing forms the centrepiece of the City of Sydney’s upgrade to Little Hay Street, Factory Street and Kimber Lane. By day this unassuming lane has been brightened by blue clouds and silver figures transforming an otherwise ordinary service lane. By night the ‘spirit’ figures illuminate the lane with an otherworldly blue glow inviting visitors to explore this new addition to Chinatown’s vibrant night-life.

Incorporating wind, water, fire and earth the artwork In Between Two Worlds,references both Chinese and Aboriginal motifs. In Chinese and Aboriginal culture the elements are said to have their own spirits. In the Chinese Zodiac humans are also created with characteristics of the elements.

The half human, half spirit figures in Kimber Lane represent our past, present and future ancestors. The themes of heaven and earth, the elements and respect for ancestors past and present are universal. The figures are inspired by Aboriginal and Chinese heritage but do not discriminate other cultures.

Clouds, sometimes referred to as “auspicious clouds” (xiangyun 祥雲(繁体) /祥云(简体)  represent the heavens and also “good luck” because the Chinese word for cloud – yun 雲(繁体) /云 (简体) – is pronounced the same as yun 運(繁体) /运(简体) meaning “luck” or “fortune”.

The cloud is a commonly seen design and when repeated in a pattern symbolizes never-ending fortune.

In Between Two Worlds consists of three main components:

• wall murals;
• floor murals; and
• 30 suspended illuminated spirit figures.

The cloud mural pattern has been incorporated into the granite paving in order to continue the pattern into busier cross streets and lead people into the lane. Some of the pattern elements in the etched granite are also inlaid with paint to match the painted mural pattern on the laneway ground and wall surfaces.

Thirty illuminated ‘spirit’ figures are suspended by a catenary lighting system along Kimber Lane to the rear of adjacent buildings. Led lights have been sandwiched between two layers of laser cut composite aluminium and acrylic panels in each figure to bring a radiant blue glow to an otherwise dark and dank lane, so close to Dixon Street, the traditional heart of Chinatown.

In Between Two Worlds was developed by the artist Jason Wing in response to the curatorial directions for Chinatown developed by curator and director of 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Aaron Seeto. These directions formed part of the Chinatown Public Domain Plan which was adopted by the City of Sydney Council in 2010.

In the past public art in Chinatown has been formulated within a representational mode that has used a recognisable palette of Chinese elements, for example; lanterns or red lighting. This has been important to recognise and locate the Chinese community living and working within the precinct.

Contemporary Asian culture around the world is constantly evolving this outwardly representational mode of Asian culture and future projects will embrace this dynamic.

The Chinatown Public Art Plan has been developed around the following directions:

A conversation with the Precinct – highlighting the layered density of textures, an awareness of the local culture and social history and an invitation to engage with ideas as people traverse Chinatown. Some of these projects might develop from community collaboration and involvement.

The Symbolic Heart – building upon the existing cluster of public art projects surrounding Dixon and Sussex Street.

Strengthening the edges – acknowledging the different entry points into the precinct and the cultural and social activity occurring in these places.

Talking about Public Art – encouraging discussion and engagement with public art through public programs and information delivered through talks and various technology platforms.

Jason Wing was identified by the curator Aaron Seeto to provide a project proposal for a public artwork as part of the upgrade to Kimber Lane. Jason’s aesthetic relates back to street art and stenciling, and this aesthetic is in keeping with some of the core concerns of the Chinatown Public Art Plan outlined above. In recent years, Jason has developed major works for galleries and also within public art environments.

As originally envisioned, Jason’s artwork In Between Two Worlds engages with the airspace above the laneway and also the road surface.

Jason is an exciting young Asian-Aboriginal artist who has been attracting curatorial attention nationally and internationally. His dual heritage, being both Chinese and Aboriginal is increasingly addressed within his work. The complexity in his own personal Asian-Indigenous cultural experience has been addressed within this powerful project for Kimber Lane.

For more information visit the artist’s website here