Amongst a multitude of other pavilions, Sydney was part of the Inter-City Pavilions section, offering observations of a city’s shifting references and influences. Our big challenge was to create stand-out and recognition, and build upon the curatorial theme of the Sydney Pavilion, ‘The Floating Eye’. This theme encompassed the varied perspectives of the city’s transforming reality observed though its demographics, environment, history, geography and society.

The Shanghai Biennale not only provides a platform for the showcase of contemporary art production, but also forums where artists can meet, challenge their work and expand their experience. As the largest international art event in mainland China, it attracts over 8m visitors.

We built a visual language of symbols, combined and intertwined by a shifting graphical interpretation of the lens of the viewer. With shape and colour expressing the theme, the identity overcame any language issues and avoided the need for wordy articulation.

The Sydney Pavilion was a success at the Biennale. Reports of strong standout and recognition put Sydney as one of the more memorable pavilions to visit. The largest turn-out to date in fact.