Art strangles architecture on a grand scale in Hi-Vis, the sinuous sculpture taking over a Walsh Bay wharf. British sculptor Michael Shaw uses the building like a mould to inform and form the geometry of his vibrant 46-metre-long installation. 

Shaw’s work subverts the use of public space – and encourages you to experience the wharf in an entirely new light. High-Vis gives representation and agency to the things that cannot often be seen.

The sculptor has been inspired by the shapes of bee abdomens, lungs, intestines and algae, but Hi-Vis is more fun than functional. Its neon colours cast a luminous glow on the dark wood of the wharf, and after the sun sets, UV lights make the sculpture glow in the dark. If you watch it for long enough, you’ll notice it “breathes”.

Shaw specialises in site-specific one-of-a-kind installations, which have wound their way around international arts festivals, galleries and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Hi-Vis was created specifically for Sydney Festival – so your only chance to see it will be this January. 

An audio described and tactile tour run by Emma Bedford will take place on Saturday 13 January at 1:30pm. To book, please contact 02 8248 6500 or email access[at]sydneyfestival.org.au