Press Release

Australia’s most dramatic exhibition space is completely transformed, as artist Mike Hewson brings his unique and boundary-testing brand of social sculpture to the Nelson Packer Tank.

Renowned for award-winning public projects that are at once artworks, play areas, and places to be, Hewson is reimagining the Tank as a combined park, playground, construction site, and commons – an anarchic and generous sculptural neighbourhood where visitors can meet, dwell, play, make, perform, explore and more.

Developed in the artist’s dynamic Sydney workshop and constructed from thousands of salvaged objects and materials, Hewson’s project is an experiment in participation, a spirited act of reclamation and regeneration, a radical rework of the legacies of modern sculpture, and a provocation about what a truly welcoming art museum might look like. For Hewson, whose sculptural practice was catalysed by the experience of the Christchurch earthquakes, the artist is a host who welcomes guests to use the artwork as their own – ‘the key’s under the mat, make yourself at home’.

Free to all and made for all ages, this one-of-a-kind project is accompanied by a multilayered and playful publication revealing the many people, objects and ideas that have come together to create Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat.

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About the Artist

Mike Hewson is a visual artist with a background in structural engineering and heavy-civil construction. His award-winning projects pioneer new ways to merge conceptual art projects into the public realm.

View Artist Profile Mike Hewson contemporary artist
About the Gallery
The Art Gallery of NSW is one of the most beautiful art museums in the world, set over 5 levels within stunning parklands overlooking Sydney harbour. The museum houses extensive collections of Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art alongside world-class collections of European masters, Asian art and international contemporary art. In addition to the permanent collection, the AGNSW has a vibrant temporary exhibition program, including major international touring shows and flagship annual exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize and ART EXPRESS.

The AGNSW also manages the Brett Whitley Studio, the artist's former workplace and home in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills. The studio offers an intimate insight in to the art and life of one of Australia's most celebrated artists.
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Art Gallery Road
The Domain, NSW
Sydney
Australia
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Monday – Sunday
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Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day
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Sydney Art Gallery Road, The Domain, NSW
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, NSW, Sydney, Australia

Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
10am – 5pm
Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day
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