Discover a new view at Lighthouse Reserve

Published on 02 March 2021

Discover a new view at Lighthouse Reserve

Offering spectacular and otherwise unseen views of our coastline, multi-award winning sculpture Viewfinder has been installed in Vaucluse as part of our Public Art Program.

Located in Lighthouse Reserve, Viewfinder’s periscopic design reflects a view of the cliffs and crashing waves directly below the cliff on which it is placed, allowing viewers to form a stronger connection with the site.

Created by Sydney artist Joel Adler, the work was previously exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea in 2019, where it was awarded the People’s Choice Prize, Kids’ Choice Prize and Artists’ Pick Awards.

Consisting of a glass mirror cantilevered by a galvanised steel frame with concrete base to stabilise its structure and steel cladding, the 8.5 tonne sculpture provides scope for multiple return visits to observe changes in the reflection, due to varying weather, tides and lighting conditions.

Watch this video to see Viewfinder's stunning location and the new perspective it provides of the cliffs below

This site was selected for its open ocean horizon and undulating cliff surfaces below, Joel Adler said.

“I am thrilled at the installation of Viewfinder in this magnificent location and would like to thank Woollahra Council for the opportunity. This site, situated along the Federation Cliff Walk, is spectacular and has ample space to view the work from various angles and distances,” Mr Adler said.

“Woollahra Council values the opportunity to support talented contemporary artists like Joel Adler. His sculpture is an exciting addition to our Public Art Program, through which we are committed to making art visible and accessible to our community,” Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne said.

“Lighthouse Reserve is a beautiful part of the world with stunning ocean views, and Viewfinder adds to the appeal of the location by providing visitors with the opportunity to further engage and connect with their surroundings.”

The acquisition of Viewfinder for an initial loan period of five years was endorsed by Woollahra Council’s Public Art Panel, bringing the total number of public artworks in our local area to 18.

Read more about our Public Art Program, and view a map of public artwork locations.