Nanchang Joycity Public Artwork - Stuart Green
Nanchang, a historically significant inland city in China, is undergoing a major phase of transformation. Known for its cultural depth and natural beauty – especially the iconic Tengwang Pavilion – it stands as a national scenic landmark and a symbol of poetic legacy.
Inspired by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Bo, whose writing on the Pavilion evokes the ideal of “lofty virtue and aspiration for the greater good,” this project channels that same vision – designing not just a space, but a destination infused with meaning, memory, and shared experience.
The development, themed around the concept of ‘Laputa,’ reimagines the mall as a floating oasis: a serene, cloud-inspired landscape where architecture, nature, and human emotion converge. It was designed as more than a retail centre – it’s a place to pause, meet, explore, and reconnect.
8th Wonder was commissioned to curate and deliver the public art vision for the precinct. We worked in close collaboration with acclaimed artist Stuart Green to ensure the artworks were not only site-specific, but embedded into the soul of the space – contributing to the overall atmosphere, emotional tone, and story of this ambitious cultural landmark.
Stuart Green
With over 25 years of experience, Stuart Green has created a wide range of public artworks across Australia and internationally. From architectural façades to monumental sculptures, his abstract works draw inspiration from natural patterns and energies. Green’s creations can be found in cities including Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Abu Dhabi.
The Narrative
Where the timeless Heroic City meets the modern pulse of Joy City, commanding three rivers and connecting five lakes, the structure unfolds in 8 dynamic segments.
Spreading the red legacy of Nanchang, it radiates fiery passion, unrestrained energy, and vibrant sunshine through explosive linear forms, infusing the city with a force transcending the senses – a fresh wave sweeping through Nanchang.
Specification
The overall sculpture is 8 meters tall and it is made from Stainless steel 304 cladding, 2pac painted and it is illuminated by programmable LED lights.
