Sydney Contemporary: Joan Ross Installation

As part of the 10th edition of Sydney Contemporary, the acclaimed Installations program extends beyond the walls of Carriageworks, bringing large-scale contemporary artworks into some of Sydney's most iconic public spaces.

This spring, Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo becomes the setting for an immersive video installation by acclaimed Australian artist Joan Ross, presented as part of Sydney Contemporary's city-wide Installations program.

Known for her vibrant use of colour and sharp commentary on Australia's colonial past, Ross creates animated worlds that blend colonial imagery, satire and her signature hi-vis yellow aesthetic. Installed on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the work encourages reflection on the ongoing impact of colonisation and the relationship between Australia's history and contemporary Sydney.
 

About the Artist

Joan Ross is a Scottish-Australian artist whose multidisciplinary practice examines the enduring impacts of colonisation on Australia's landscapes, culture and identity. Driven by a deep appreciation for nature and a critical perspective on colonial narratives, Ross reinterprets historical imagery through bold, visually striking works that challenge audiences to reconsider Australia's past and present.

Combining humour, vibrant colour and layered cultural references, her work explores complex themes including colonisation, globalisation and environmental change. Through painting, video, sculpture and installation, Ross invites viewers to engage with difficult histories while imagining new ways of understanding the world around them.