Chester Pass Road Sculpture – Balance

City of Albany Public Art | Lead Artist

Located on a prominent site along Chester Pass Road in Albany, this large-scale standalone sculpture forms a striking gateway for vehicles and pedestrians travelling between the city centre and the northern approach. Commissioned for a new large-format retail development, the work was conceived and delivered under my direction as lead artist, from initial concept through to engineering, fabrication and installation.

Inspired by Nature’s Architecture
The sculpture draws directly from Albany’s rugged coastline, particularly The Gap and Natural Bridge – two iconic granite formations where ocean surges meet dramatic rock structures. Their shapes, precarious balance and sense of suspended weight informed the composition: four abstracted rock forms, stacked in dynamic tension.

Two supporting ‘rocks’ hold a large central mass aloft, while a smaller top piece rests delicately above, suggesting both strength and fragility. This arrangement symbolises the balance of the local environment as well as the human pursuit of balance in life.

The circular formation references the cycle of life, while the voids between forms invite movement and shifting perspectives as viewers pass by. Positioned near the footpath within the landscaped frontage, the sculpture engages commuters, pedestrians, and visitors alike – offering a bold visual anchor against the backdrop of contemporary architecture.

A Statement for Place
This work is both a contemporary landmark and a quiet reflection on the forces that shape Albany – geological, environmental and human. Its scale and form aim to endure, inspire and connect, contributing to the City of Albany’s vision for high-quality, site-specific public art that enriches daily experience.