In Sydney’s Circular Quay, a 6.5-meter-tall kinetic sculpture titled “There, Now, Here” by the Brooklyn-based duo Wade and Leta has been installed as part of the Vivid Sydney festival. The artwork spins, twirls, and totters in the public thoroughfare, powered by wind, motors, and a see-saw that invites public participation. Its black-and-white stripes and muted palette reference Dorothea Mackellar’s poem “My Country,” evoking the sun-bleached Australian landscape. A sonic component by Josh Burgess, featuring sounds of water, light rail, and lyrebirds, can be manipulated by visitors.
This installation matters because it marks Wade and Leta’s first public artwork in Australia, bringing their signature playful, interactive style to a major urban festival. By blending kinetic sculpture, public participation, and local environmental references, the piece highlights how contemporary public art can engage communities while celebrating regional identity. It also underscores the growing trend of integrating technology and audience interaction into outdoor art experiences.