Ngabu, by Aunty Lola Ryan, an interactive artwork inspired by Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. Installation, 2025. Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd and Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Sydney, Gadigal Country Image DCITHS
Premiering at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Sydney Festival from Friday 17 January 2025, through until 27 April 2025.
Aunty Lola Ryan hails from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. She has designed Ngabu (Dharawal language for Nan / Grandmother) in homage to the series of shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan which are now found in the collections of our prominent cultural institutions.
With Ngabu, Aunty Lola takes shell art to a new dimension in a giant interactive installation mounted on top of the overhead bridge on Hickson Rd. Climb up and over the arch of Aunty Lola’s bridge and marvel at the giant colourful shell patterns while also taking in the view of the city's own Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The interactive Ngabu journey continues via an augmented reality treasure hunt around Walsh Bay, featuring audio and video animations that interpret stories relevant to Walsh Bay.
Ngabu, by Aunty Lola Ryan, an interactive artwork inspired by Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. Installation, 2025. Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd and Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Sydney, Gadigal Country Image Create NSW
Artist: Aunty Lola Ryan
Designer: Joey Ruigrok van der Weven
Curator / producer: City People
AR design: EyeJack
Installation, 2025. Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd and Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Sydney, Gadigal Country
Ngabu is proudly supported through the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct by Transport for NSW’s Community Improvement District Pilot Program, Create NSW, and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown District Acceleration Program.