Celebrated contemporary artist and Head of Sculpture at the Queensland College of Art and Design Justene Williams has unveiled her latest public sculpture, set within the newly opened Queen’s Wharf precinct.
Drawing inspiration from the Sheela-na-gig, a figure often associated with fertility and protection, the five-metre-high bronze, aptly named ‘Sheila’ explores the intersection of myth, history and contemporary culture through Ms Williams’ unique artistic lens.
Standing proudly on the river side of the Commissariat Store and keeping a watchful eye on the casino and the city, Sheila was designed as a lucky charm and a sign of good things to come.
“I feel like she could be this tiny charm on a bracelet, but she’s been expanded to a larger-than-life version of that,” Ms Williams said.
“She’s a protector of the space – one hand is facing up and clenched and the other is pulled down, so it’s as if one hand is collecting energy and the other is holding it in, which also has connotations of bringing in and holding onto the dollars with its position outside the casino.
“I hope she becomes a landmark where people will say, ‘I’ll meet you down by the Sheila’.”
Sheila challenges traditional perceptions of the female form in public art, with Ms Williams’ work often putting a feminine spin on historical figures that championed the masculine form.
The sculpture also features a silver dish as a halo, which Ms Williams describes as a recurring motif in her work symbolising security, reflection and the interplay of past and present.
“I look back on history a lot in my work and particularly the futurist movement, and to me the future is decidedly female,” she said.
“Sheila has two fronts – she is a mother to all and will never turn her back on you.”
Pro Vice Chancellor of Arts, Education and Law at Griffith University, Professor Scott Harrison, said the University is incredibly proud of Ms Williams and her contribution to public art at Queen’s Wharf.
“Public art such as this serves as a bridge between people and place, fostering a deeper sense of community and belonging,” he said.
“Justene’s large-scale work not only enriches Brisbane’s cultural landscape but also reflects the power of art in shaping vibrant, connected communities for the future.
“We’re equally thrilled to acknowledge Griffith alumnus and Honorary Doctorate recipient Dr Tony Albert, whose Inhabitant, a bold botanical artwork of native Australian flora, adds a significant First Nations voice to this public art collection, fostering a deeper connection to the cultural and natural heritage of Brisbane.
“We look forward to seeing the lasting impact these works will have on the city and its residents.”
Dr Albert’s grand-scale aluminium work can be found above the drive-through entrance to the new entertainment precinct on William Street, with both Sheila and Inhabitant now open for public viewing.
