Nepean Looking Glass

A seamless fusion of art and architecture.

Introduction

As one engages with the Nepean Looking Glass, a dance unfolds—a delicate convergence of our personal reflections with the gentle flow of the river.

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Project
Nepean Looking Glass

Client
Panthers Group

Date
2023

Location
Penrith, NSW

Hotel Keys
153

Indigenous Country
Dharug

The Nepean Looking Glass lives within the lobby of the Pullman Sydney Penrith, a symbolic reflection of the nearby Nepean River and a mesmerising first impression for guests checking into the 5-star hotel.

From the sandstone wall to the lofty ceiling, the artwork's undulating reflective steel blades and a gradient of blue and green tones transform the lobby into an immersive masterpiece.

It transcends an artwork on the wall and emerges as a seamlessly integrated sculptural element that harmonises with the architectural and interior design.

Concept

Echoing the flow of the nearby Nepean River.

The Nepean Looking Glass, with its mirrored surface, serves as a symbolic reflection of the maternal essence inherent in nature, embodying its profound nurturing and sustaining role.
This artwork delves into the mirror stage theory, encapsulating the pivotal moment when a child constructs the ideal “I” by stepping before a mirror, thereby disrupting the unity between the child and the (m)other.

The Nepean Looking Glass challenges us to confront our innate interconnection with the natural world, gently urging a deeper understanding of the emotional responsibilities we bear in fostering a harmonious coexistence with our surroundings.

Viewers are not merely spectators; they are participants in a contemplative experience, exploring the relationship between humanity and the environment.

Technicality

The project required an innovative and complex creative process.

Due to the scale (13 meters long) and complex geometry, the design team utilised parametric design and 3D modelling to aid the design development and construction of the artwork.

The positioning required extreme accuracy to ensure a seamless alignment over the curved sandstone wall, ensuring a precise transition from the wall onto the ceiling and around the lobby column.