Two Steps Forward
Artist: Will Cooke
“The title of my Whale Tail is Two Steps Forward. When considering the gravity of the place and themes outlined in the project’s treatment, I feel the act of conversation is paramount. How can my tail draw attention from the public, yet initiate interaction and start the important conversation surrounding place, Country and the conservation of our planet’s wildlife? Two Steps Forward uses colour, geometry and the histories of industrial design to prompt the audience into engaging with the work. By placing three reflective circles on the apex of the tail, I hope to draw people in to not only celebrate the reopening of Sydney but encourage the audience to recognise the duality that Country represents for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The colour pink was chosen as it’s been proven to reduce aggression and promote kindness and sensitivity – two acts that are vital when opening an important dialogue. The two outer reflective circles move towards the middle of the tail to form a ‘new place where unexpected things meet’. Two steps forward…”
Will Cooke
Will Cooke is a Sydney-based painter known for his boldly reductive, geometric artworks. Cooke is primarily interested in the histories of industrial production, architecture and materiality. He utilises these subjects as prompts for visual metaphor – creating liminal works that extend from and beyond literal catalyst. Cooke’s artwork embraces colour, shape and tone. Will is represented by Kronenberg Mais Wright in Sydney.
Just as the artist seeks to bring geometric order to the unpredictable domain of the ocean, so the 14 themed zones of SeaLife Aquarium help us access and navigate the undersea world, from Discovery Rockpool to the Shark Walk and the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef display. Visitors can see 13,000 sea creatures from 700 species without ever getting wet.
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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