nicole larkin sites luminous landmark near sydney's bondi beach

nicole larkin, a sydney-based creative who places a focus on digital fabrication techniques and craftsmanship, has realized a dynamic and temporal installation for sculpture by the sea. built for the 2016 edition at bondi beach, ‘dynamics in impermanence’ explores new ways in which viewers can experience, interpret, and inhabit artworks. made from birch plywood, stainless steel, and concrete, the installation generates ever-changing perspectives depending on the time of day, weather and climatic conditions.

all photos by ben guthrie

sited on the edge of a rocky cliff and overlooking the sea and nearby city, ‘dynamics in impermanence’ is also an exploration into how photography can break down the authentic artistic experience. german cultural critic walter benjamin explored the idea of ‘aura’ in art, arguing that the experience of a reproduction can be almost as fulfilling as an encounter with the original.

larkin’s installation for sculpture by the sea, identifies with this paradigm by creating shifting experiences for the both the authentic and reproductive experiences. the ever-evolving elements of the site — particularly light, shadow and weather — alter the digital, photographic interpretation of the piece. theatrical snapshots, captured here by photographer ben guthrie, depict ‘dynamics in impermanence’ with high-contrast silhouettes and shadows — highlighting the formal aspects of the installation through digital means, while retaining the ever authentic spatial and textural experience in reality.

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