A magnificent golden bronze sculpture celebrating everyday heroes has been unveiled along Sydney's iconic harbor, marking the beginning of an ambitious public art series. The Sphinx-style bust depicts a proud Black woman and represents the first installation in a trio of outdoor sculptures funded by a substantial $3 million philanthropic donation designated for the Museum of Contemporary Art's lawn area.
Titled "Ancient Feelings," this monumental work comes from the hands of acclaimed British sculptor Thomas J. Price, who has built his reputation on challenging traditional notions of public commemoration. Price's artistic practice specifically questions the long-standing assumption that only historical figures, wealthy individuals, or people of high social standing deserve to be honored in public spaces and town squares.
The sculpture's impressive scale and shimmering gold appearance create a striking presence against the harbor backdrop, designed to catch the eye and provoke thought among passersby. The choice to depict an ordinary Black woman in such a grand, traditionally reserved format represents a deliberate artistic and social statement about whose stories deserve to be told and remembered in public spaces.
Price's work carries what experts describe as an important warning embedded within its beauty – a reminder about the historical exclusion of certain communities from public recognition and commemoration. The artist's broader body of work consistently addresses themes of representation, identity, and the democratization of public honor, making this installation particularly significant for Sydney's cultural landscape.
The substantial philanthropic investment behind this project signals a commitment to transforming how public art functions in contemporary society. The remaining two sculptures in the series are expected to continue exploring themes of everyday heroism and inclusive representation, potentially reshaping conversations about who gets remembered in Australia's most prominent public spaces.
