Hooray! Another day off work to spend with Zane.
This time we went to Cockatoo Island, a former convicts prison site and shipyard in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Roughly a 20-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, Cockatoo Island now belongs to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which is transforming it into a unique attraction. Visitors to the Island (free admission) can walk around the entire area and explore most of the old industrial and prison buildings. The site also offers camping and holiday housing.
Throughout the year, a number of special events are hosted on Cockatoo Island. Zane and I saw many of the artworks installed as part of the 17th Biennale of Sydney. The Biennale of Sydney, curated this season by David Elliott, is one of the oldest and largest of its kind. Contemporary artworks from a range of international artists are installed all over the island. Many pieces were designed specifically for this event, either in keeping with Cockatoo Island's history or specifically for the exhibit space.
I found the juxtaposition of the desolate nature of most of the seemingly deserted buildings with the slick, colorful and often ultra-modern appeal of the artworks compelling. It was a fascinating day, and I am glad Zane and I got to share it together.
Many more photos from our day at Cockatoo Island, along with artist credits for the works shown in the above photos, can be seen here.
