Was, Am, Will
Artist: Evi O
Was, Am, Will aims to remind viewers that we are all visitors to this land. Just like any living forms, we humans constantly migrate, explore and live off the land. The past, present and future is an inevitable amalgamation of light and dark shade, yet one hopes that united harmony is possible through mutual respect. The artwork’s narrative originated from the artist’s personal understanding of Self, Others and Land – and how we are all by default interconnected. Self as humans can often forget what is the centre of one’s universe, and that perhaps we should always be aware of how we position ourselves in the world – especially the Land – what matters most, and how we can individually contribute to the collective story between all living creatures and matters, because each story counts. The contrasting colours used in this artwork form an abstract representation of all things different, yet harmonious together.
Evi O
Evi O is an award-winning multi-disclipinary designer and artist. Her practice stems from a drive to explore and express humane curiousity to ultimately understand and contribute to the bigger surroundings. Colour is the cornerstone of Evi’s practice, and her compositions are reduced and abstracted. Her creative process weaves an array of experiments in mediums, technology, graphic and spatial design.
Like this artwork, this place embodies past, present and future. A place where traditional owners feasted on oysters, became the 19th Century engine-room of a rapidly-industrialising colony, and by 1971, a bicentennial World Expo project, including “Festival Market” – now Harbourside. From 2023, a $2bn transformation will create 10,000m2 of public space, including Guardian Square neighbourhood park, and widened waterfront promenade.
From John Dickson’s first steam engine powered mill in 1813, to the factories, woolstores, railyards and workshops of the 1950s, to its conversion to a leisure and entertainment precinct (starting with the Sydney Entertainment Centre which opened in 1983 on the site of Dickson’s Mill), for more than 200 years, Darling Harbour has personified the ever-evolving face of Sydney. By 2030, the new Harbourside, with its exciting array of shops, restaurants and attractions will have helped to reimagine Darling Harbour as a cornerstone of the World’s Best Waterfront.
First Nations Audio Narrative: With thanks to our Indigenous Cultural Advisors, Aunty Jo Selfe and Uncle Graham Toomey, and special contributors who have generously shared important stories of place. Listen to the First Nations Audio Narrative here.
Charity Auction
Love Whale Tales? Want to keep one?
You can! After the Waterfront Whale Tales trail concludes, all 30 sculptures will be offered for purchase at a dedicated art auction at Sydney Maritime Museum, Terrace Room.
The net proceeds from the auction will go to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
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