Challenging in-ground fittings, custom-manufactured for ‘Ancient Feelings’ at MCA Sydney

Lighting a sculpture sight unseen

‘Ancient Feelings’ sits on the Tallawoladah Lawn at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The three-metre bronze head looks out over Circular Quay. Thomas J Price created this sculpture for the Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission. The team at the MCA got in touch to request a product specific to this project.

However, we faced an unusual problem – we couldn’t see the sculpture. This would prove challenging to get the angle right. Each luminaire had to throw light upward to illuminate the bronze surface. And with Sydney Harbour’s coastal weather, the uplights need to tackle tough conditions. The salt spray, wind and rain would test the integrity of each fitting.

Engineering invisible uplights for maximum impact

Originally, we based lighting simulations on a cube model placeholder for the sculpture. However, the flat surfaces wouldn’t appropriately represent the results. So this was edited to a sphere-shaped model, which had more of a likeness to the artwork. Ultimately, our specialists engineered the lighting from rough geometric models and simulations.

From these, we designed and manufactured 12 custom uplight luminaires for the installation. They are built from stainless steel and aluminium to handle the environment. And engineered angled reflectors to throw directional light from the embedded fixtures. Sitting flush with the grass surface, they almost disappear. So the reflectors needed to be quite deep to project enough light at the right angle.

This level of planning, designing and manufacturing separates Superlight from other lighting companies. Our specialists are committed to exceptional lighting, even in the most difficult projects.

When precision engineering meets sculptural art

‘Ancient Feelings’ now draws attention to the harbour foreshore throughout the evening. And the uplighting reveals the bronze artwork’s texture and form. Moreover, the 12 luminaires create this effect without visible hardware. During daylight, the lawn looks natural and uninterrupted.

Over one million people visit the MCA each year and can view the sculpture day or night until April 2026. This transitional project with bespoke lighting is a fan favourite. We delivered precision lighting despite the challenges faced around its specifications and presentation. And the lighting stands up to Sydney Harbour’s coastal conditions effortlessly. The in-ground fittings are an elegant solution, illuminating the impressive artwork at night.

Further reading:

• View and download the case study pdf
• Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art website
• Read the AFR review of the sculpture
• View Time Out’s article
• Read a review at Honi Soit