VANESSA POSSUM & BALARINJI

Project Name: Ngaliya Muru

Location: Western Sydney International Airport.

Commissioner: WSI

Materials: Mild Steel, Paint, Fibre optics

Dimensions: The artwork spans Bridge 3 (Road Bridge), Bridge 4 (Pedestrian Bridge) and adjacent retaining walls at Western Sydney International Airport. 119m2 of layered perforated steel screening is integrated across the bridges and retaining walls, complemented by 112m2 of large-scale mural artwork.

Photography:

Artwork Concept

Co-designed by Dharug artist Venessa Possum and Indigenous design agency Balarinji, the artwork is based on a series of ten original watercolour paintings inspired by Ngurra Bayali – Country Speaking and the theme of resilience.

The design draws on waterways, native species and interconnected landscapes, creating layered patterns that celebrate connection, belonging and the sustaining power of Country.

Themes of safe passage, welcome and interconnectedness are woven throughout the artwork, creating a culturally significant arrival and departure experience for visitors to Western Sydney.

The artwork spans Bridge 3 (Road Bridge), Bridge 4 (Pedestrian Bridge) and adjacent retaining walls at Western Sydney International Airport.

Approximately 119m2 of layered perforated steel screening is integrated across the bridges and retaining walls, complemented by 112m2 of large-scale mural artwork.

Positioned on a key arrival and departure route, the artwork will be experienced by passengers, visitors and airport staff travelling through the new airport precinct 24 hours a day.

The artwork combines custom perforated metal screens, integrated fibre optic lighting and painted mural elements.

The metal screens feature custom lasercut perforations derived from the artist's original artwork and finished in a colour palette drawn from the Western Sydney region, including custom blue tones inspired by local waterways, sky and surrounding landscape. 

Integrated fibre optic lighting provides subtle illumination after dark, creating a gentle shimmering effect inspired by waterways and movement through Country.

The original paintings were translated into large-scale architectural installations through a collaborative process involving the artist, Balarinji, Axolotl, engineers, lighting designers and specialist fabricators.

Custom triangular perforation patterns were developed to reflect the visual language of Dharug painting. 

Advanced laser-cutting technology was used to accurately reproduce the artwork across the metal artwork panels.

The project integrates artwork, lighting and infrastructure, with the artwork attaching to existing bridge structures and retaining walls.

The completed installation transforms essential transport infrastructure into a landmark cultural experience and gateway to Western Sydney.