'Citizens Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef' – Cairns, Australia - Atlas Obscura

'Citizens Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef'

This public art is inspired by a local Aboriginal creation story.  

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This interesting sculpture sits in prime position on the Cairns foreshore. Designed by indigenous Australian artist Brian Robinson, it takes inspiration from a local Aboriginal creation story about the history of the reef.

The work was unveiled to the public in August 2017. The impressive structure sits at a height of 20 feet (six meters) and depicts several sea creatures and bird species that can be found on the Great Barrier Reef, including a life-sized stingray.

The artwork was completed with the help of six local Aboriginal artists from the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people and the Yirrganydji people, who created stingray designs that appear sandblasted on the ground plane. The stainless steel panels on the sculpture allow visitors to see their own reflections and take time to think about their connection with the natural wonders of the reef.

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