FMCC Public Artworks Lidcombe

Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex Public Artworks

KB Art Projects managed the commissioning of several major public artworks for the new Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex in Lidcombe.

Holding Up The Sky by Gary Carsley

The artworks were created by leading Sydney-based artists and were designed to respond sensitively to the nature of the facility while enhancing the architectural environment.

Mangrove by Jade Oakley

Lidcombe is surrounded by tidal rivers lined with mangroves connecting to Sydney Harbour. 

Mangrove represents resilience, shelter and balance.

Mangrove trees are known for their resilience, enduring immense variations in salinity and temperature, tolerating sea water flooding and thriving in a soaked bed of mire. Mangroves shelter many forms of life, creating a complex habitat for insects, crabs, molluscs and fish. The Mangrove forests protect our coastlines from erosion and damage from storms.

Mangrove moves slowly and gracefully in response to gentle air currents within the void. This gentle movement creates a sense of peace and a meditative experience for the viewer.

Duck River by Leanne Tobin

‘Duck River is located on the Burramattagal clan areas of the Darug nation and was once an important food resource that was shared by the various Darug clans that lived along the local waterways. 

The design concept acknowledges the shared clan connections along the river and the estuarine environment of the area which encompasses the Forensic Medicine and Coroner's Court with the placement of the mangroves along the river, the connecting camp sites and the white egrets flying overhead.'

Paperbark Flowers by Oliver Watts

In vibrant coloured paper, this work compresses the flora of local the estuarine areas. Mangrove flowers and paperbark brushes meet in an abstracted composition, of trees and waterways. The river is a vital source of life in the area and this work celebrates its natural beauty. The cut paper is layered like the paperbarks themselves.

Butterfly Wings 1 &2, Banksia Leaves & Fishing Tree by Marguerite Derricourt

These four sculptures reflect the natural environment of the Lidcombe area. Butterfly wings, banksia leaves and a fishing tree representative of the original peoples who inhabited the area. The colours are those of the  bushland in this part of New South Wales and combined with the planting , create a peaceful and reflective oasis in the building . 

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Historical images sourced and photographed by Chris Johnson.

Images of the new FMCC Lidcombe under construction and completed project photographed by Steve Turner and Chris Johnson.

Compilation design by Yolanda La Gorcé.