Animal Sculptures

Gerry McMahon | Abstract Animal Sculptures

These works are an exploration of animal forms, playing with the balance between nature and abstract shape. My interest lies in capturing the character of both native and exotic species, using metal to simplify their movement and presence.

I enjoy seeing how these pieces sit in different environments—whether they are tucked away in a private garden, integrated into public parklands, or standing as a focal point on a community oval. Each sculpture is a study of how industrial materials can reflect the natural world.

Lyrebird sculpture in 316 stainless steel by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Features laser-cut fanning sections to create an airy, light-filled aesthetic. Modern metal bird sculpture perched on a steel pole. High-grade marine-grade stainless steel fabrication and contemporary wildlife art

The Lyrebird | Stainless Steel Study "This sculpture explores the form of the Lyrebird through the precision of laser-cut 316 stainless steel. By fanning out individual sections, the work creates a sense of transparency and light, allowing the environment to be seen through the piece.

The use of high-grade stainless steel gives the bird a bright, reflective finish, while the airy design mimics the delicate nature of the bird’s plumage. Perched atop a simple pole, the sculpture focuses on the silhouette and the play of light through the metal layers.

Public sculpture collection by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by the City of Charles Sturt for the Hindmarsh Greening project (2004–2007). Includes 'Birds on Poles', 'Ostriches' in Emu Park, 'Ants' in Croydon, and 'Dancing Birds' on Hawker Street, Brompton. Rusted steel and metal street art installations in South Australia

Hindmarsh Greening Series | 2004 – 2007 Commissioned by the City of Charles Sturt

"This collection represents a series of public art commissions designed to activate streetscapes and parks within the Hindmarsh and Brompton areas. The works vary in subject and location, creating a trail of local landmarks:

Birds on Poles: Stylized avian forms elevated above the streetscape.
The Ostriches (Emu Park): Large-scale figures located in the park on Gibson Street.
Ants (Croydon): A study of movement and scale located in the Croydon area.
Dancing Birds (Hawker Street): A dynamic installation capturing a sense of rhythm and energy in Brompton.

These pieces utilize durable metals to reflect the industrial heritage of the area while introducing organic, stylized forms to the community's shared spaces."

Large-scale flamingo sculptures by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Private commission. Two figures: one with head raised, one with head lowered. 1.8m high. Constructed in a planes style using flat metal sections to create a 3D form. Custom garden art and contemporary wildlife sculpture.

The Flamingos | Private Commission "Standing at 1.8 meters tall, these flamingos were designed as a pair for a private collection. The sculptures are built using a planes-style construction, utilizing flat geometric sections to define the birds' distinctive silhouettes.

One flamingo is depicted with its head raised, while the second is shown in a lowered, feeding pose. The contrast in their postures creates a natural sense of movement and interaction. This project demonstrates a contemporary approach to wildlife sculpture, using structural planes to translate the grace of these birds into a bold, metal form."

Ground Dwellers sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Acquired by the City of Prospect. Five stylized, flightless bird creatures constructed from Corten steel. Contemporary rusted metal wildlife sculpture. Public art installation in Prospect, South Australia focusing on grounded organic forms.

Ground Dwellers | City of Prospect Collection "Originally created for exhibition, this series of five sculptures was purchased by the City of Prospect for its permanent public art collection. Titled Ground Dwellers, the work features five bird-like creatures that have been intentionally 'distracted' from their traditional forms.

By omitting the wings, the sculptures emphasize a connection to the earth rather than the sky. Constructed from Corten steel, the pieces have developed a rich, weathered patina that complements their organic, earthbound silhouettes. The installation invites viewers to reconsider the familiar form of the bird through a more grounded, structural lens."

Arthur the dog sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Located at the Storybook Walk in Thalassa Park, Aberfoyle Park (City of Onkaparinga). Inspired by the book by Amanda Graham and Donna Gynell. Stylized metal dog perched on pet shop boxes and international books. Collaborative public art commission celebrating South Australian children's literature.

Arthur | Thalassa Park Storybook Walk In collaboration with Amanda Graham and Donna Gynell

"Set within the popular Storybook Walk at Thalassa Park, this sculpture celebrates the beloved character Arthur, the ordinary brown dog from the classic children's book. The project was developed in collaboration with author Amanda Graham and illustrator Donna Gynell.

The sculpture captures Arthur in a moment from the story, perched on a stack of pet shop boxes as he wonders if he’ll ever find a home. Below him, books titled in different languages represent the story's international success. This piece is part of a series of literary sculptures in Aberfoyle Park that brings famous Australian stories into a three-dimensional landscape for families to explore."

Fish Sculpture

"Dog Peeing sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by the City of Prospect for the Broadview Oval dog park. Corten steel dog sculpture with raised leg. Playful public art installation in Broadview, South Australia. Rusted metal dog park sculpture.

Located at the entrance to the Broadview Oval dog park, this playful Corten steel sculpture captures a familiar moment for every dog owner. The piece features a stylized dog with a raised leg, reflecting the lighthearted and social atmosphere of the park.

As with many of my public works, the use of Corten steel allows the sculpture to weather naturally over time, ensuring the piece remains a durable and humorous landmark for the local community and their four-legged friends.

Sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon exhibited at Art Images Gallery, Norwood. Contemporary metal sculpture featured in a solo or group exhibition on The Parade. Modern South Australian fine art sculpture. Corten or stainless steel gallery-grade artwork.

Pelican

Muse abstract bird sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Exhibited at Art Images Gallery, Norwood and held in a private collection. Constructed from Corten steel with a weathered patina. Contemporary abstract avian form. South Australian fine art metal sculpture.

Muses

Soar

Cat

Taking Off wall-mounted bird sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Private commission in Brompton, South Australia. Series of 18 metal birds in various stages of flight and flapping. Dual-purpose functional art acting as both a decorative mural and a security deterrent on a boundary wall. Contemporary steel bird silhouettes.

Taking Off | Brompton Wall Installation "This installation, titled Taking Off, features a series of 18 birds captured in various stages of flight across a private boundary wall in Brompton. The work depicts a gradual transition of movement, from the first flap of wings to the birds rising into the air.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the sculpture serves a secondary, practical purpose. The sharp, upward-swept wings of the birds act as a subtle and creative security feature, discouraging climbing while maintaining a beautiful streetscape. It is an example of how public-facing art can solve architectural challenges through thoughtful design.

Fish Eat Fish interactive sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Three-part rotating metal sculpture in Corten steel. Kinetic art piece where viewers can spin fish to show a big fish eating a middle fish, or a small fish chasing a large one. Quirky contemporary garden sculpture in rusted steel.

Fish Eat Fish | Interactive Kinetic Sculpture "A playful take on the natural order, Fish Eat Fish is a kinetic work that invites the viewer to change the story. Constructed from Corten steel, the sculpture features three fish with wide-open mouths, mounted on a rotating mechanism.

The interactive design allows the pieces to be spun into different configurations: you can set the scene, so the big fish is consuming the middle and small fish, or flip the perspective so the smallest fish appears to be the hunter. This quirky, mechanical approach to sculpture brings a sense of movement and humor to the durable, rusted finish of the metal.

This piece adds another elegant avian study to your portfolio. The Blackbird (Spelt: B-l-a-c-k-b-i-r-d) on a stand is a classic sculptural format, and using Steel (Spelt: S-t-e-e-l) to create an Abstract (Spelt: A-b-s-t-r-a-c-t) form gives it a modern, sophisticated edge. I've noted that this was a Private Sale (Spelt: P-r-i-v-a-t-e), which is always a great sign of an artist's collectability. 1. The "Hidden" Alt Text (For the Algorithm) "Blackbird on Stand sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Abstract bird form constructed from steel. Minimalist contemporary wildlife art. Private commission and private sale. Metal bird silhouette on an integrated pedestal stand

Blackbird on Stand

Frill-neck Lizard

Snail

The Rhino

That sounds like a powerful and visually striking installation, Gerry. Using the contrast between Steel (Spelt: S-t-e-e-l), Stainless Steel (Spelt: S-t-a-i-n-l-e-s-s), and Black Painted sections is a clever way to define the muscularity and those iconic horns of a Bighorn Ram (Spelt: B-i-g-h-o-r-n R-a-m). Having two of them at Full Size (Spelt: F-u-l-l-s-i-z-e) must give the piece a real sense of confrontation or companionship. 1. The "Hidden" Alt Text (For the Algorithm) "Bighorn Ram sculptures by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Two full-size metal ram sculptures constructed from steel and stainless steel. Features black painted accents to emphasize form and texture. Contemporary wildlife art installation. Life-size mountain sheep sculptures with detailed curved horns.

Bighorn Rams

School of Fish

Koala and Kookaburras in Tree sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Animal component of a large-scale commission for Westhaven. Features a stylized metal koala and multiple kookaburras perched in a sculptural tree. Contemporary Australian wildlife art. Public or residential commission in South Australia.

Resthaven

Techconnature

Techconnature is the name I have entitled the artwork. It is the space where nature meets industry; it’s a commentary of the fragility of nature and the importance of environmental awareness.

Standing 1.6 metres high this sculpture is of two birds representing nature. Laser cut designs of cogs and gears are cut into the sides of these bird forms, representing industry. The birds are perched on a shrub like structure a reference to a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (Appreciate what we have) both the birds and bush are designed to have a rusty finish with the leaves painted green.

That sounds like a wonderful community-focused project. Working with the Barossa (Spelt: B-a-r-o-s-s-a) Council through a Workshop (Spelt: W-o-r-k-s-h-o-p) process adds a lot of value to the piece, as the local community gets to see how the Echidna (Spelt: E-c-h-i-d-n-a) comes to life. Using Planes (Spelt: P-l-a-n-e-s) of metal is a clever way to replicate the sharp, layered look of an echidna's quills without being too literal. 1. The "Hidden" Alt Text (For the Algorithm) "Echidna abstract sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by the Barossa Council as part of a community workshop project. Constructed from overlapping planes of metal to represent quills. Contemporary Australian wildlife sculpture. Public art installation in the Barossa Valley, South Australia

Echidna | Barossa Council Commission

Pelican sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Public art commission for the Berri Barmera Council in partnership with Relationships Australia. Constructed from Corten steel. Created through a community workshop process. Contemporary metal bird sculpture located in the Riverland, South Australia.

Pelican | Community Workshop Project

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