Ashfield Aquatic Centre public art

Inner West Council's Ashfield Aquatic Centre - opened in 2020 after a major redevelopment – boasts a landmark public artwork by Georgia Hill.

Two main facades, which can be seen internally from the main pool area and externally from the south along the nearby train line, feature artworks that are bold and contemporary statements about the story of the site, its connection and importance.

Georgia Hill is a local, internationally-renowned artist who is passionate about her local community. The art, called Ripple Through, develops her existing art practice into a new medium of powder-coated metal louvers.

"I’ve created a large abstract artwork relating to the history and environment of the area," Georgia said. "I travel internationally working on large scale mural works and installations, however when I'm not on the road the Inner West is my home, so I was very excited to be invited to design an artwork for an area that has support my practice for years."

As part of the project, Georgia worked with Council to hold public workshops, where everyone was invited to contribute ideas.

“The workshops were focused on informal conversation about people’s memories and experiences of Ashfield and the Inner West, that were then developed in my studio to form the basis of the art.

“The workshops were open to all – I heard stories of deep memories and family connections to Ashfield and the history of the area.

“It was surprising and enlightening for both myself and the community to see how their reflections and memories were abstracted and came to inform the final artwork,” Georgia said.