Public Art

Woven Form sculptures by Gerry McMahon in Blair Athol and Kilburn. Large-scale stainless steel rod woven basket forms representing multicultural unity, diversity, and community strength in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield

Woven Forms: Completion Date: 2017, Materials: Stainless steel, paint, lighting: Dimensions: Various, Largest 6 x 3 x 3m: Location: Blair Athol, SA: Commissioned by: City of Port Adelaide Partners: 11 woven forms in all

Woven Forms | Blair Athol & Kilburn Commissioned by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield

"The precinct of Blair Athol and Kilburn is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and nationalities. These oversized woven basket forms celebrate that diversity, using one of humanity’s oldest crafts as a metaphor for community.

Historically, basket weaving transcends any single society; it is a shared global language of trade, ceremony, and utility. Crafted from intertwined stainless steel rods, these sculptures represent the 'weaving' of individual stories, journeys, and dreams. While a single strand may be vulnerable, once interconnected, they form a bond of immense strength and unity—a reflection of the diverse community that defines this region."

Uplift wall sculpture at Woodcroft College by Gerry McMahon. Large-scale public art made of stainless steel and GRC (glass reinforced concrete). Features a girl flying a kite and a boy lifted by balloons, symbolizing students reaching their greatest potential

Large stainless steel Dandelion sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Glandore Community Centre, City of Marion. A public art tribute to the history of the former Glandore orphanage, symbolizing the metaphor of moving on as seeds float away

This large-scale wall installation, titled Uplift, is a combination of stainless steel and glass reinforced concrete (GRC). It depicts a young girl flying a kite and a boy soaring upward with balloons, capturing the spirit of growth and the journey toward one’s greatest potential. It was designed to serve as a daily inspiration for the students and the school community

Giant Spider and Caterpillar swing sculpture by Gerry McMahon, commissioned by the City of Adelaide for Princess Elizabeth Playground. A functional public art piece where children can swing on the metal caterpillar

Tea Tree Gully Seed Pod sculptures by Gerry McMahon and Christine Pyman. Large-scale public art made of Corten steel and GRC featuring integrated LED lighting. These illuminated organic pods celebrate local South Australian flora in Tea Tree Gully.

Tea Tree Seed Pods | Tea Tree Gully A collaboration with Christine Pyman

This series of sculptures was a collaborative project with South Australian jeweler Christine Pyman. Combining the industrial aesthetic of Corten steel with GRC, these oversized seed pods feature integrated LED lighting that transforms the pieces at night. The illumination highlights the organic textures and creates a glowing landmark for the Tea Tree Gully community after dark.

Interactive industrial sculpture by Gerry McMahon in Kapunda, Light Regional Council. Features moving stainless steel pistons and copper cogs with the message 'Lost Sheep Found Copper'. Kinetic public art with solar lighting and nylon components."

Lost Sheep, Found Copper

Completion Date: 2020, Materials: Steel Corten, Steel, Copper, Solar lighting, Pollystone, and Nylon cogs. Cogs and pistons move, Dimensions: Wall 3 x 1.4 x .1m, Location: Kapunda SA

This kinetic sculpture is a tribute to Kapunda’s heritage as Australia's first successful copper mining town. When the handle is turned, a series of nylon cogs and three rising pistons reveal the words 'Lost Sheep, Found Copper'—a nod to the 1842 discovery of ore by local pastoralists. Crafted from stainless steel, copper, and polystone, the piece features integrated solar lighting and is a celebration of industrial history and community ingenuity.

Video: Kapunda sculpture 02 (youtube.com)

Panpapanpalya sculpture by Gerry McMahon and Kaurna artist Paul Herzich. Commissioned by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Large Corten steel rings representing a traditional Aboriginal meeting place and community connection

Panpapanpalya | City of Port Adelaide Enfield A collaboration with Kaurna artist Paul Herzich

"Panpapanpalya is a collaborative public art installation created with Kaurna artist Paul Herzich. Made from weathered Corten steel, the sculpture features large rings that symbolize a traditional meeting place. It is a tribute to the enduring connection of the Kaurna people to this land and serves as a space for the community to gather, reflect, and connect.

Hamilton-Galatis Memorial Tree sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Mitcham Reserve. A 3-meter steel and copper willow tree commissioned by the City of Mitcham and community crowdfunding. Features thousands of hand-stamped copper leaves as a memorial for Greg, Caitlin, Willow, and Rosemary

Created in 2017, this three-meter steel and copper willow tree stands as a sanctuary for reflection and remembrance. The sculpture honors the lives of Greg, Caitlin, Willow, and Rosemary, whose lives were tragically lost in a road accident.

This was a true community project; the 'foliage' consists of thousands of copper leaves, each hand-stamped with messages of love and support by family, friends, and members of the public. Visitors are invited to step inside the canopy, where the light filters through these thousands of personal tributes, creating a space for quiet contemplation and enduring connection.

Blue Tree Project metal sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Goodwood Saints Oval, Millswood. Commissioned by the City of Unley as a mental health awareness memorial. This tribute is dedicated to those lost to mental health, including former AFL player Shane Tuck

You may have seen trees painted blue on your travels. These are part of the Blue Tree Project an Australian mental health charity that began in 2018 after the tragic loss of a young man named Jayden Whyte to suicide. The project uses painted blue trees as a visual symbol to spark difficult conversations about mental health and remind people that it's okay to not be okay. The first blue tree was a prank Jayden painted on his family's farm in rural Western Australia.

I recently was given the privilege to design and make a sculpture base around this project for the Unley Council, located at Goodwood Oval after they lost members of their football club to suicide.

This piece is inspired by the Australian native Bottle Tree, This bulbous tree design being solid and strong is a metaphor for strength, to inspire hope, resilience and reflect the need for connection and awareness of mental health and to look out for those who are doing it tough.

The holes within the sculpture are a reminder to all of the community that may be affected by mental health in our lives, and those who love us and may need our help or friendship in times of need.

The two birds sitting on the nearby pole sculpture are perched together to further signify another metaphor for mateship and the need to share, listen and always support each other.

This sculpture is a reminder to check in on friends and love ones as well as reach out if you need support. See below Beyond Blue and Life Line.

Love and Peace to all

Beyond Blue support service 1300224636

Lifeline Australia Crisis Support 13–11-14

bluetreeproject.com.au

Blue Tree

By Gerry McMahon

Completion Date: 2025

Materials: Galvanised steel. paint, LED solar lighting

Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 2 m

Location: Goodwood Oval South Australia

Commissioned by: City of Unly

Collaporative Parners: N/A

Passage archway sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Gemmell Tassie Reserve. Laser-cut Corten steel featuring grapevine and leaf motifs. Represents the local wine industry and community heritage in the City of Onkaparinga

Life and Passage, Completion Date: 2014, Materials: Corten Steel, Steel and Concrete: Dimensions: Life 3.5 x 3.5 x .6m. Designed as a companion piece to Life, Passage is an immersive archway that invites visitors to walk through the history of the region. The Corten steel structure features intricate laser-cut vine leaves and grapes, celebrating the vineyards and wine industry that have shaped the McLaren Vale landscape and community for generations.

Passage 2.5 x 1.6 x .4: Location: Gemmel Tassie Reserve, Mclaren Vale, SA, Commissioned by: City of Onkaparinga Noarlunga. Designed as a companion piece to Life, Passage is an immersive archway that invites visitors to walk through the history of the region. The Corten steel structure features intricate laser-cut vine leaves and grapes, celebrating the vineyards and wine industry that have shaped the McLaren Vale landscape and community for generations

"Bus Stop 10 Prospect Road sculpture by Gerry McMahon. Public art commission for Prospect Council, created in collaboration with architect Bohdan Dorniak. Stainless Steel and Steel

Bus Stop 10 Prospect Rd Stainless Steel and Steel

The Global Celebration sculpture by Gerry McMahon, commissioned by Thebarton Senior College in Torrensville. A large-scale stainless steel and copper globe representing world travel, diversity, and community connection in South Australia

Global Celebration | Thebarton Senior College Commissioned by Thebarton Senior College, Torrensville

Crafted from stainless steel and copper, this sculpture was created to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and journeys of the student body. It stands as a symbol of travel and community connection, reflecting the college's role as a meeting place for cultures from around the world.

Kardi Yarta Emu Country sculptures at Pelican Point by Gerry McMahon, Paul Herzich, John Wood, and Andrew Stock. Commissioned by Defence SA and Renewal SA. Large-scale Corten steel and GRC (glass reinforced cement) abstracted emu forms representing the Tjilbruke Dreaming and the Adelaide Hills landscape.

Kardi Yarta | Pelican Point Commissioned by Defence SA & Renewal SA Collaborative work with Paul Herzich, John Wood, and Andrew Stock

"Set within the Kariwarrha wetlands, this series of sculptures is a collaborative tribute to the Kaurna people’s deep connection to the Lefevre Peninsula. The works are inspired by the beginning of the Tjilbruke Dreaming, representing the 'Kari' (emu) hunt that initiated his historic journey.

Crafted from weathered Corten steel and GRC (glass reinforced cement), the abstracted forms represent the seven emus of the Dreaming while also mirroring the silhouettes of the South Australian hills, including Mount Lofty. These pieces serve as cultural markers, inviting visitors to walk the wetlands and reflect on the ancient stories embedded in our landscape

Kardi Yarta | Pelican Point

Kardi Yarta | Pelican Point Commissioned by Defence SA & Renewal SA Collaborative work with Paul Herzich, John Wood, and Andrew Stock

"Set within the Kariwarrha wetlands, this series of sculptures is a collaborative tribute to the Kaurna people’s deep connection to the Lefevre Peninsula. The works are inspired by the beginning of the Tjilbruke Dreaming, representing the 'Kari' (emu) hunt that initiated his historic journey.

Crafted from weathered Corten steel and GRC (glass reinforced cement), the abstracted forms represent the seven emus of the Dreaming while also mirroring the silhouettes of the South Australian hills, including Mount Lofty. These pieces serve as cultural markers, inviting visitors to walk the wetlands and reflect on the ancient stories embedded in our landscape

Weaving Woman sculpture by Gerry McMahon, commissioned by DPTI. A Kaurna cultural monument representing the spiral weaving patterns of Aboriginal women. Features a large-scale woven form and a Yoko or coolamon(carrying vessel) symbolizing community sharing and traditional craft

Weaving Woman | Kaurna Cultural Tribute Commissioned by DPTI (Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

"Created in close consultation with Kaurna Elders, Weaving Woman is a celebration of the enduring strength and skill of Aboriginal women. The sculpture captures the intricate spiral weaving patterns used for generations to create baskets and mats. Resting beneath the weave is a Yoko—a traditional Kaurna vessel used for gathering and sharing. This piece serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of community and the preservation of ancient cultural practice.

Chrysalis bike stand sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Lochiel Park Green Village. Functional public art made of stainless steel and recycled glass. Features melted cobalt blue, amber, and green glass set in cocoon shapes for bicycle security and environmental art.

Chrysalis Bike Stands | Lochiel Park Commissioned by the City of Campbelltown

"Located in the award-winning Lochiel Park Green Village, these functional sculptures serve as secure bike stands for the community. Titled Chrysalis, each piece is inspired by the form of a cocoon, symbolizing transformation and the recycling of energy.

The sculptures are crafted from stainless steel and feature integrated recycled glass that has been melted and set into unique shapes. With a range of colors including cobalt blue, amber, and forest green, each chrysalis is an individual work of art that reflects the village's commitment to sustainable living and eco-friendly design

Chrysalis Bike Stands | Lochiel Park Commissioned by the City of Campbelltown

"Located in the award-winning Lochiel Park Green Village, these functional sculptures serve as secure bike stands for the community. Titled Chrysalis, each piece is inspired by the form of a cocoon, symbolizing transformation and the recycling of energy.

The sculptures are crafted from stainless steel and feature integrated recycled glass that has been melted and set into unique shapes. With a range of colors including cobalt blue, amber, and forest green, each chrysalis is an individual work of art that reflects the village's commitment to sustainable living and eco-friendly design."

Seeds of Attainment Vietnam Veterans Memorial sculpture by Gerry McMahon, Martin Corbin, Chris Ormerod, and Sandy Elverd. Commissioned by the City of Salisbury at Henderson Square, Pooraka. Silicon bronze and stainless steel Banksia seed pod forms symbolizing regeneration and growth after trauma

Seeds of Attainment | Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commissioned by the City of Salisbury (2007) A collaboration with Martin Corbin, Chris Ormerod, and Sandy Elverd

Developed in close consultation with Vietnam Veterans, Seeds of Attainment is a cathartic tribute to those who served. The sculpture uses the Banksia seed—which requires the heat of fire to open and regenerate—as a powerful metaphor for the veteran experience and the journey of moving forward after trauma.

The installation features four pod-like elements crafted from silicon bronze and stainless steel. Three 'awakening' pods lie at different angles, beginning to split open, while the fourth pod has fully burst open to reveal a 5.5-meter spire shooting toward the sky. It is a work of thousands of welds and intricate metalwork, representing new growth, resilience, and the promise of the future.

Saint Andrew’s Cross sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Saint Andrew’s Church, Walkerville. Crafted from stainless steel and 24ct gold leaf. Features a Saltire cross design with two symbolic doves for the Walkerville parish

The Saint Andrew’s Cross | Walkerville Commissioned by Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church

"Standing prominently in Walkerville, this contemporary interpretation of the Saint Andrew’s Cross combines the durability of stainless steel with the timeless brilliance of hand-applied gold leaf. The design incorporates two symbolic doves, creating a peaceful and welcoming landmark for the church and the local community.

Modern stainless steel and copper sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Mapleton Grove, Port Road. Large-scale urban development art commissioned for the Woodville housing precinct. High-visibility public art installation

Mapleton Grove Landmark | Port Road Public Art Commission for the Woodville Housing Development

"This large-scale installation was created as a focal point for the Washington Grove development on Port Road. Combining stainless steel and copper, the sculpture reflects the modern architectural aesthetic of the precinct. Its prominent position makes it a recognizable landmark for residents and commuters passing through the Woodville area."

Techconnature

Techconnature explores the delicate space where the natural world meets industrial progress. Standing 1.6 meters high, this sculpture features two bird forms intricately laser-cut with patterns of cogs and gears—a commentary on the fragility of our environment and the weight of industrial influence.

Perched upon a stylized shrub, the birds serve as a visual reminder of the proverb 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' urging us to appreciate and protect the natural beauty we still possess. The piece features a weathered, rusty finish contrasted by vibrant green leaves, highlighting the resilience and persistence of nature within an urban context.

Galvanized steel bike rider sculpture by Gerry McMahon at Broadview Oval, City of Prospect. Located next to the BMX track, this public art piece was the artist's first commission, representing local cycling culture.

The Cyclist | Broadview Oval Commissioned by the City of Prospect

"Located adjacent to the Broadview Oval BMX track, The Cyclist was my very first public art commission. Crafted from galvanized steel to withstand the elements, the sculpture captures the spirit of the park's vibrant cycling community. It stands as a permanent tribute to the movement and athleticism found at the track, marking the beginning of my career in large-scale public installations..