Art in the Park

At the Art Institute of Chicago's Sculpture Garden

Question: What could be better than sh*t-hot sculpture in a beautiful park or garden?

Answer: Not much.

At least not in the humble opinion of your correspondent. And as proof I tender into evidence, Your Honour, Exhibit A, the Sculpture Garden at the Art Institute of Chicago.

There are two gardens at the Art Institute, the one to the south designed by the remarkable landscape architect Dan Kiley, and the one to the north by the equally influential Laurie Olin.

It’s separated from the Art Institute’s be-columned façade by some fruity balustrades and planted urns, a get-up that sits surprisingly comfortably beside its more contemporary neighbour. 

Olin’s sculpture garden was completed in 1960 and it’s a deceptively simple space. A generous path surrounds a central garden, half of which is open lawn, with the other half given over to a lush floral display.

Gorgeous as the plants are, they struggle to compete with the art. Cubi VII is a stainless steel work by David Smith, installed here in 1963.

The showstopper work is Flying Dragon by Alexander Calder. The painted steel sculpture landed amongst the flowers in 1975, and good luck to you if you think you’ll be able to visit without taking about a thousand photos.

Very simple stone benches line two sides, and they’re detailed so you can face into or away from the path.

The north of the garden is a linear space, with trees lining a soft path.

A Henry Moore bronze, Large Interior Form, juts its hip and tips its head at the end of the way.

A tall wall terminates the eastern end, providing a backdrop for Ulrich Ruckriem’s untitled work, a slab of infinitely textured and coloured granite.

The sculpture garden changes character with the weather. An overcast day clears the crowds, leaving the green garden pulsing with chlorophyll in front of the pale Art Institute building and the pale sky.

When the sun comes out so do the people, flocking to the lawn, and seeking out the quiet seats, the sunny spots, and the shade.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Swinging with Sedges: Perth's Urban Wetland

In the middle of Perth’s incredibly vibrant cultural precinct is a concrete wetland. Doesn’t sound great huh? Don’t be put off though, because this wetland is a little oasis that is loved and used by critters of all species, including our own.

The museum, library, art galleries, and dazzling new State Theatre that make up the cultural precinct are all linked by a series of concrete-paved plazas and broad steps.

In one corner, the steps used to lead down to a water feature. In recent years this has been reimagined as a wetland system, with the traditional treated water feature being retrofitted with sedges and other aquatic plants that treated runoff water naturally.

A series of timber walkways and platform were added, along with colourful folded seating elements.

The wetland has now established itself and environmental studies have identified a range of permanent fauna residents.

People are drawn to the new environment too.

On an overcast and generally less-than-perfect weekday afternoon people enjoyed a quiet lunch or study break.

On Sunday afternoon the city jazz festival moved in. The timber deck became a stage.

The wide amphitheatre steps were covered with bean bags.

And the crowd enjoyed the show.

This urban wetland is a brilliant example of the way a simple idea can transform a space.

Created with a very modest budget, it nonetheless creates a place that operates successfully every day as well as on special occasions. In an era when many people still regard wetlands as 'swamps' - undesirable places best avoided - this project shows how easily inner-city habitat can coexist with people.

The Urban Wetland was designed by Josh Byrne & Associates. The firms also does regular fauna monitoring at the wetland.