Bringing art to Very Special Kids House

July 4, 2023

Art can inspire children and young people to explore, imagine and expand their perception of reality. It is a tool that not only sparks joy, but also provides deep connection to culture.

Very Special Kids collaborated with renowned First Nations artist Reko Rennie to create a captivating sculpture for the hospice’s central courtyard – the heart of Very Special Kids House.

Inspired by Australian wildlife and his Kamilaroi heritage, the artwork will feature a flock of silhouetted native birds, suspended mid-migratory flight across the central courtyard. The birds gently move in the breeze casting playful shadows on the ground beneath.

Designed with people and interactivity in mind, the work seeks to invigorate the space, and will provide moments of tranquillity, inspiration, and joy for the children, staff and visitors to the space.

Rennie is best known for his use of bold geometry, lush colours and graphic depictions of Australian wildlife. He combines stylised Indigenous symbols with urban graffiti culture to create works which resituate First Nations narratives within an urban Australian context.

Above: Sculptured birds under construction (left and right) and an artist’s impression of the sculpture from above (centre).

Drawing on colour theory for the selection of colours used to pattern the birds’ wings, Rennie has selected green to promote healing and positivity, blue for trust and peace, pink for compassion and love, and yellow for happiness and optimism.

The eye-catching piece will be a focal point for children and young people during their stay, fostering moments of delight and discovery, in an accessible way.

We are thrilled to watch this piece come to life as we edge closer to the opening of the Sister Margaret Noone Hospice at Very Special Kids House.