We curated a large art mural and smaller way-finding pieces for Lendlease at their new temporary site office in Barangaroo. The works done by artist Angelica Catalan respond to the office space as a hub for gathering, connecting and enjoyment. This project shows the importance of activating even temporary spaces in order to create a sense of place for staff and visitors alike.

The resulting work 'The Hickson' includes one large art mural on the site office's top floor multi-functional space plus three way-finding pieces that are unveiled as you walk up the stairs. The brief was to create a sense of place in what is a temporary office for the hundreds of staff, contractors, and visitors that frequent the site office daily. 'The Hickson' references the office's position on Hickson Road, adjacent to the beautiful harbor and Barangaroo Reserve. Angelica's playful and bold works draw you from the ground floor up the staircase and into the multi-use top floor gathering space, transforming the room into an inspiring and innovative environment for the teams that use the space multiple times a day.

Angelica (aka Gellie) is originally from Hong Kong, where she completed her BA (Hons) in Design, Visual Communication and was mentored by some incredible signwriters before relocating to Sydney 2 years ago to undertake prestigious sign writing workshops and further arts education. Gellie has trained and practiced as a professional graphic designer for over ten years specializing in brand identity and publication design, she loves bringing personalities into the space she creates. Gellie’s heart has always belonged to the retro era with its quirks and character. As our society adapted to modern design tools, she is on a mission to bring back the dying craft of signwriting, gold foiling, and more.

Gellie wrote of the experience,

"This dynamic space changes over the day, and it was fascinating to experience first-hand. It starts bright and early with a self-serve 'cafe' providing enough fuel to energise their staff. Then, with a bit of rearrangement of the furniture, it transforms into a meeting room with a big screen for serious business. At lunch hour it becomes a space for some (light-hearted) table tennis competition, and to celebrate project milestones.

The multi-functional space and its power to bring the staff together was what inspired this artwork. I incorporated vintage typography and old-style pub flag signages with various colours to bring positive energy to the space. With the artwork beginning on the ground and drawing you up the stairs, the visitor is offered a 'preview' of the bigger artwork once you reach the top floor. My hope is that the Lendlease staff and visitors will feel more 'at home'."

Art Pharmacy is a full service art strategy and culture agency. Our Art Consultants are here to plan, manage and deliver creative projects that culturally enrich spaces and tell interesting stories using high- quality Australian art.