Golden spheres that mark our now-subterranean past

The perfect nature of a sphere holds for us an almost mesmeric quality of symmetry and timelessness.

These unique attributes have been harnessed for the latest instalment of public art as part of Orange’s Future City initiative; “Shadowline” by Sydney artists, Julia Davis and Lisa Jones.

Six of the nine golden spheres in total were unveiled in Robertson Park on Monday, they follow the now-subterranean section of our geological past.

“They tell the story of the original flow of the river, the Blackmans Creek,” Orange Regional Gallery Directory, Bradley Hammond explained.

“What is really striking, is that they’re excavating the history of the original site — a deep time and deep history that tells the story of the development of the town,” he added.

A QR code as part of the project will allow locals and visitors to understand the importance of the creek to the growth of Orange as a regional centre.

Co-creator Julia Davis said that the project shows the Colour City’s appreciation of public art as an integral component of our community.

“It’s fantastic, it’s so refreshing to work with a council, a gallery, and a community that supports the arts,” she enthused.

Co-creator Lisa Jones explained how the spheres have been constructed of concrete and polyurethane with a gilded gold leaf exterior.

“We did a lot or research of the materials to use; materials that are robust and designed for the Orange climate.

“The polyurethane is the same as that used on the Spirit of Tasmania II and aircraft,” Julia added.

Six of the spheres were installed for the launch with another three to be placed in Lords Place and Kite Street to act as visual push-pins marking the original route of the creek.

The two multi-disciplinary artists have previously collaborated on a number of projects that reflect on transience and the embodiment of place.

“Referencing push-pins on a map, Shadowline is a series of gilded concrete spheres positioned to mark the original meandering path of Blackmans Creek between the Orange Regional Gallery and Matthews Park,” Julie explained. 

“It’s art that says and means something to people, as art is supposed to do,” Orange Mayor, Councillor Jason Hamling concluded.