The Bay by Jade Oakley

The Bay by Jade Oakley

Client: Woolworths
Year: 2014

A new shopping precinct in Kiaora Lane, Double Bay, features an artwork by Bondi sculptor Jade Oakley. The retail development is a joint venture between Woolworths and Woollahra Council. Architects Nettleton Tribe invited PublicArt Works to tender on the 144 sq m facade, designated as an artwall by Council’s Public Art Committee.

Jade’s design depicts an abstracted interpretation of Double Bay’s iconic geography. PublicArt Works worked closely with Alex Polo from Metal Stone Wood to extend the typical perforated metal patterning, making it into something a lot more interesting. Layered features gave the facade more depth, and the artist’s hand is visible in the tiniest detail. Jade worked closely with Alex’s algorithmic generated perforations, using diverse hole sizes up to 60mm in diameter.  Additionally, laser cut sections are powder coated to Jade’s subtle colour palette, and assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

Your services and professionalism made the art commissioning process seamless, delivered on budget and finalised ahead of time. It is a credit to your organisational and communication skills that you managed to balance the ideals of not only Woolworths but also of Council and the Artist.

Chris Sheehan, Regional Development Manager Woolworths Ltd