Ngabu, created by Aunty Lola Ryan, a proud Dharawal Elder from La Perouse, honours the tradition of shell art, a practice passed down through generations in her family.
The temporary installation, along with its augmented reality (AR) counterpart Ngabu Djal Yanda, is an immersive experience that celebrates connection to Country, art, and cultural history.
Ngabu (meaning “Nan/Grandmother” in Dharawal) is an intricate and vibrant homage to the shell art created by Aunty Lola’s late mother, Aunty Lola Delia Ryan.
Aunty Lola, deeply inspired by her mother’s work, has now taken this tradition to new heights with a stunning installation mounted on the overhead bridge on Hickson Rd.
The striking shell patterns that span the bridge are a contemporary take on her mother’s creations, keeping her family's traditions and practices alive.
“My mum did this for many, many years, and I’ve tried to stay close to what she created,” Aunty Lola explains.
“It’s a little bit different, but still very much connected to her work. She was so famous for her Sydney Harbour Bridge shell art, and I thought it was fitting to bring it here, to Walsh Bay.
"It feels like a great place to showcase her legacy.”
The installation sits right in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a stunning visual contrast between Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.
The giant interactive installation is mounted on top of an overhead bridge.
“We wanted to put it in a space where it would stand out, and we felt this bridge was perfect,” says Aunty Lola.
“It’s almost directly in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which makes for an incredible backdrop.”
Ngabu also includes an augmented reality experience, Ngabu Djal Yanda, a treasure hunt-style walk around Walsh Bay.
Using their smartphones, visitors can uncover hidden shell icons around the foreshore, each unlocking an audio-visual interpretation of local stories and cultural history.
From Dreamtime tales of Buriburi, the whale, to the emergence of shell art in the 19th century, this digital layer enhances the immersive experience and invites participants to engage with the rich cultural history of the area.
For Aunty Lola, preserving and continuing the tradition of shell art is an important part of her family's legacy.
“Shell art is something that’s been passed down through generations in our community,” she says.
“But it’s becoming a dying art. Not many young people are continuing it, and I want to keep that tradition alive. It’s such a calming, therapeutic art form, and it connects you to something deeper, to the land and the stories of our ancestors.”
“This artwork is a way for us to stay connected to our culture and to honour our ancestors,” Aunty Lola reflects.
"Through art, we keep telling our stories.”
The installation is open to the public for a limited time, offering a rare chance to experience a stunning blend of culture, history, and innovation at Walsh Bay.
