Venus rising is Brisbane’s newest public art. It was unveiled just before I left for Italy. It is quite impressive. The torpedo shaped stainless steel and brass structure was designed by UK artist Wolfgang Buttress. It is comprised of hundreds of interlocking rods and bracing circles giving it a lace like appearance. At night it is illuminated from the base.
It sits rather grandly in the public gardens atop Kangaroo Point cliffs with sweeping views over the river and the city.
It also looks good from the inside.
The gardens are on the site of the old TAFE college and it is an extension of the public space along the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. There are playgrounds for children and people are flocking there at all times of the day. Shady trees have been planted and when they are fully grown it will be even better.
Just another reason to come home to or to live in Brisbane. Venus rising is symbolic of how public art is thriving in this very modern creative diverse city.
By: elizabeth keogh on February 29, 2012
at 5:36 am
Brisbane is a great place to live. The Kangaroo Point cliffs area has great views over the city.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:05 pm
yes was at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs cafe last week and had a close up look at this new structure- interesting enough – looks better from a distance with the wonderful city sky line behind it. Yes you are so right the area is very popular for phototaking and family gatherings and also saw a bride and groom posing near by
Dianne Cant
By: dianne Cant on February 29, 2012
at 5:36 am
I was there the day after the covers came off. I think it looks great.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:06 pm
Beautiful! I wonder if anyone might replicate that as a building… perhaps Dubai?
By: James on February 29, 2012
at 6:09 am
I can see this as a building in Dubai.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:07 pm
Nice to meet you two, I look forward to reading more of your blog. I live in Brisbane – you do a great job of highlighting its wonders. I didn’t even know about this art piece (I’ve been overseas) but will go over and have a picnic at the cliffs before the summer’s over.
Amanda
By: Amanda on February 29, 2012
at 6:12 am
Thank you for the kind comments.I am in Italy now for a few months so there won’t be much from Brisbane for a while.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:13 pm
Wow! And I didn’t know it was there. I will definitely go and have a look
Thanks
By: Alison on February 29, 2012
at 6:36 am
It hasn’t been there all that long. The whole area is looking good.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:13 pm
How did I miss this!!!!! Will go and have a look. Thanks Debra for keeping the locals aware of what is new around us………
By: kirsi sade on February 29, 2012
at 7:16 am
It is quite new, you are excused for not seeing it.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:14 pm
On our way now to Brissie and look forward to seeing the sculpture, good to have something new to admire in the city.
By: Roz on February 29, 2012
at 7:40 am
The area at the top of the cliffs has been very nicely developed, I think you will like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:15 pm
Obviously inspired in Norman Foster’s architecture… (and he really gets copied) but I am sure that it is an interesting addition to the gardens. Great photos, Debra.
By: Mulino Dominillo on February 29, 2012
at 8:00 am
The public had a say in the sculpture. There were 2 to choose from. The other one was a large kangaroo.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:16 pm
I live in South Brisbane, and I had no idea it was there either!
By: Haiku bear on February 29, 2012
at 8:26 am
You should be able to see it from some parts of South Brisbane.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:16 pm
I don’t know how I’ve missed this either – I drive past quite often and I don’t usually drive with my eyes closed. Although, last year we had morning tea with some young friends we hadn’t seen for some time and on first sighting them and amid my excited gabble – I failed to notice that the young wife was pregnant – very pregnant – like, boil the hot water and send for the doctor, pregnant!! I love the last photo by the way.
By: Jan on February 29, 2012
at 8:46 am
Stop and have a look next time you go by.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:17 pm
What a beautiful art/sculpture… Fascinated me, Wolfgang Buttress! Thank you dear Debra, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on February 29, 2012
at 3:25 pm
It is quite impressive. especially looking up from inside.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:20 pm
http://wolfgangbuttress.com/
Dear Debra you should visit his blog, he is amazing. I loved the video in the beginning… Thank you for introducing me this amazing artist. With my love, nia
By: niasunset on February 29, 2012
at 3:39 pm
I will check it out, thanks.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:21 pm
[…] http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/venus-rising-over-brisbane/ […]
By: I Fall In Love every time With Art « photographyofnia on February 29, 2012
at 3:55 pm
http://photographyofnia.com/2012/02/29/i-fall-in-love-every-time-with-art/
Thanks and Love, nia
By: niasunset on February 29, 2012
at 3:57 pm
Good God, Deb, these photos are amazing! This one should be Freshly Pressed!
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on February 29, 2012
at 5:00 pm
It helps that it was such a great day with those blue skies.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:27 pm
Very cool structure!
By: Shelagh on February 29, 2012
at 5:07 pm
I think it looks pretty good.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:28 pm
It’s very impressive indeed. It looks almost lacy in some of the images.
By: Just Add Attitude on February 29, 2012
at 6:10 pm
I like it from the inside looking up.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:33 pm
Wow what a beautiful piece of art!
By: thirdeyemom on February 29, 2012
at 6:45 pm
I’m sure the sculptor will be very happy to hear you say that.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 29, 2012
at 8:30 pm
It must be a nice place to live, unfortunately on the other side of the world …
robert
By: robert che vola on February 29, 2012
at 9:38 pm
It reminds me of a red carpet Oscars dress! All sleek lines and a fish tail hem 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on March 1, 2012
at 4:40 am
That is an excellent description of the sculpture. I can imaginne Nicole Kidman in it.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 1, 2012
at 2:24 pm
Very cool indeed…and super photos!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
By: dhphotosite on March 1, 2012
at 1:53 pm
Thank you! It was a beautiful day.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 1, 2012
at 2:27 pm
Looks like some kind of rocket ship to me… but then I am into sci-fi!
By: frenchfry36 on March 5, 2012
at 8:32 am