Paul Herzich, University of Adelaide

Image: University of Adelaide, Wangu Poles by Oxigen, artwork design by Paul Herzich. Photo courtesy of the University of Adelaide.

Paul Herzich
Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri
Wangu poles artwork design

Commissioned by University of Adelaide
Creative Partner: Oxigen

Working alongside landscape architects Oxigen, Guildhouse was engaged to steward an art installation that would create a day and night entrance statement for the northern entrance to campus.

Created by Oxigen, with artwork design by Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri artist Paul Herzich, the piece consists of wangu (seven) large aluminium poles, laser cut with thousands of hand-drawn circles conveying the Kaurna story of the relationship between the Wardlipari (the Milky Way) and the Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens).

For thousands of years the Kaurna people have used the Karrawirra pari to sustain their way of life. This artwork embodies traditional ritual knowledge of the Kaurna community.

The poles create a new entrance statement for the northern entrance to campus and can be seen from the other side of the river, and at the top of the red brick stairs day and night.

Images: University of Adelaide, Wangu Poles by Oxigen, artwork design by Paul Herzich. Photographs courtesy the University of Adelaide.

Guildhouse Professional Services

Guildhouse Professional Services (GPS) is a South Australian leading public art consultancy, delivering end-to-end services for major public and commercial projects.

Established as Guildhouse’s social enterprise, GPS combines contemporary public art expertise with the governance strength of Guildhouse, the state’s peak visual arts body with over 60 years’ experience and membership base of over 1,200 artists, designers and craft practitioners.