Burnside Village Unveils Stunning New Collection of Commissioned Artworks

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June 17, 2025

Burnside Village is excited to announce the unveiling of a collection of public artworks in partnership with Guildhouse – South Australia’s peak body for visual art, craft and design.

Visitors to Burnside Village will be welcomed with five, one-of-a-kind sculptures, strategically located throughout the Centre.

Each piece is a unique commission, crafted by South Australia’s most acclaimed artistic talents, promising to elevate the shopping precinct beyond a retail destination into a vibrant hub of cultural discovery.

Cohen Group CEO Gregg Downer said:

“the artworks are designed to seamlessly integrate with the environment and offer moments of unexpected beauty and contemplation for visitors”.

“From striking large-scale installations, to subtly engaging pieces, this new collection invites exploration and encourages a deeper connection between art, space, and the community.” Mr Downer said.

The new collection features:

Water and Stone by Silvio Apponyi OAM: A striking sculpture crafted from South Australian Black Hill granite, featuring a polished wave-like form and bronze geckos. This piece establishes a visual and material link to Apponyi’s previous commissions for Burnside Village, drawing inspiration from the fluid forms of nudibranchs.
Celestial Lifeform by Peter Syndicas: Inspired by a twig found in the Flinders Ranges, this suspended sculpture in welded bronze explores themes reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Light interacts dynamically with the bronze, creating inner illumination. Working closely with Iguana Studios, the employment of innovative fabrication methods in Syndicas’ design brings a sense of lightness to the monumental 11 metre bronze form–the largest suspended of this kind in the world.
Light Shifter (Nexus) II by Jason Sims: A thought-provoking work by Tarntanya/Adelaide artist Jason Sims, operating within the realm of perceptual art. Through the interplay of light and reflection, Sims creates expansive environments that explore internal and external, physical and psychological spaces, inviting viewers to question their perceptions.
Red Roo by Gray Hawk: Paying homage to the transformation of materials, this sculpture combines reclaimed redgum timber from the Burnside Village redevelopment with stainless steel. Red Roo reimagines iconic elements of the Australian landscape: the eucalypt and the kangaroo, reflecting Hawk’s renowned craftsmanship and bespoke design.
Big Pink Line by Caleb Shea: A bold and dynamic sculpture from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Caleb Shea. Employing satin polyurethane paint on a linear form, this work exemplifies Shea’s exploration of form, colour, and phenomenology. The ‘single line’ motif contributes to conversations on sculpture as ‘drawing in space’, engaging with the surrounding architecture and the human scale.

“We believe that art plays a vital role in enriching our everyday lives, and we are incredibly proud to showcase the vision and talent of these exceptional Australian artists within Burnside Village,” Mr Downer said.

“This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to cultivating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that extends beyond the traditional retail experience, offering a richer and more rewarding environment for all.”

Guildhouse Project Lead, Tracy Le Cornu, shared that:

“the new artworks at Burnside Village are the result of a rich, three-year creative exchange between Burnside Village, Guildhouse, and a group of exceptional South Australian artists and creative experts—an enduring collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to cultivating and showcasing artistic excellence.

Burnside Village’s unwavering commitment to the arts nurtures the creative heartbeat of South Australia, strengthening the state’s vibrant arts ecology and inspiring a culture of connection, expression, and growth”.