Figs of Paddington is a permanent public artwork integrated into an architectural pavilion located in the central courtyard of UNSW Paddington. This site-specific installation incorporates imagery of the native fig trees surrounding the campus. Three 7.5 metre tall pillars each feature a different tree, appearing to sprout from the earth to hold up the pavilion. These three new fig trees add to the existing natural canopy.

This concept was developed in response to a project brief requiring integration with the site, community and planned longevity of the work. Documentation and close analysis of Hills Weeping Figs on Selwyn and Napier Street and Moreton Bay Figs on Oxford Street and in the Victoria Barracks lead to the development of different visual styles to differentiate the two species across the pillars. The main difference in the local trees is their age; the local Moreton Bay Figs are 90 years older than the Hills Weeping Figs and significantly larger. The artwork incorporates this by giving the Moreton Bay pillar a larger trunk, stronger age markers and accents of lichen.

After my concept was chosen for the project, I worked closely with the client, architect and manufacturer to develop the design. This involved changes to the visual language of the artwork in response to client feedback and technical limitations, as well as creation of technical documentation for the manufacturer. The final artwork is rendered from 108 unique perforated fibre cement panels, featuring the artwork made from 76,000+ dots.