INTERLOOP

Interloop by artist Chris Fox, is a sculptural installation that hangs from Wynyard Train Station ceiling. Hovering above the newly-installed escalators that travel underground from York Street, the vast twisting concertina-shaped sculpture re-used the fabric of the heritage timber-escalators which served Sydney's commuters for over eight decades.

Suspended from Wynyard's rivetted steel floor beams, the sculpture comprises of two twisting box beams which measure more than fifty metres in length and weigh over five tonnes. Each box beam comprises of a series of welded marine grade aluminium concertina sections which are bolted together. The box beams have concealed internal ‘hanging’ columns which connect the sculpture back to the rivetted steel beams of the base building.

First installed in 1931, the historic timber escalators held a sense of time, journeys, and travel before they were removed this year. Interloop resembles, in part, the original escalators: important for Fox is creating an otherworldly space above people’s heads. The artwork explores the idea that people are stationary on an escalator whilst also travelling, allowing for a moment of pause that occurs mid-motion. The sculpture resonates with people in this state, referencing all those journeys that have passed and are now interlooping back.

A major milestone for Sydney and for Transport for NSW, who commissioned the large-scale sculptural project, Interloop provides an important legacy, helping to maintain and celebrate the historic identity of the city, while also looking to its future.

Artist | Chris Fox

Client | Novo Rail Alliance for Transport NSW

Builder | NASS Projects

Fabricator | Lumark Metal Fabrication

Fabrication Documentation | AR-MA

Art Strategy | Cultural Capital

Analysis | Bollinger Grohmann Engineers

Photographer | Josh Raymond

AWARDS

ACSE Award for Unusual Project 2018

National Trust Education and Interpretation Award 2018

National Trust Outstanding Project of the Year 2018