Feathers and Skies

The two artworks consist of 22-metre diameter double-helix aluminium ring structures circling the columns over the eastern and western entries to Telstra Stadium. Feathers, located on the eastern entrance of the stadium consists of 96 large images of feathers depicting the diverse range of Australian bird life. The artwork combines the motif of the traditional victor's laurel wreath of sporting competitions with images from the natural environment of Homebush Bay - home of 140 bird species.

Skies, located on the western side of the Stadium depicts Australian skies at different times of the day. The artwork combines a reference to the traditional victor's laurel wreath of sporting competitions with the images of Australia's expansive skies. The spiralling band of aluminium is perforated unevenly with solid metal representing clouds and the most perforated areas sunny days to a night with a full moon. The interior of the spiraling band is painted colours of the Olympic Medals: gold, silver and bronze.

The two companion works were created by New Zealand artist Neal Dawson to mark the entrances to Stadium Australia (currently Telstra Stadium), the main arena for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The artworks speak about Australia, the turn of the century and the Olympic Games.