Nell's 'Holding Both' Bronze Sculpture Unveiled at MCA Australia
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) has announced the Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace Commission for 2026–2027, featuring a new piece by Sydney artist Nell (b. 1975, Maitland, New South Wales). The sculpture, titled 'Holding Both' (2026), is a life-sized bronze representation of a woman balancing two glass apparitions on her shoulders. This figure embodies a timeless and universal theme, illustrating women's ability to manage dual responsibilities. Nell, who has spent nearly twenty years creating figurative sculptures of women, expressed her desire to create this piece for over 15 years, waiting for the ideal conditions. The MCA Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace provided the perfect venue for its unveiling, enhancing the museum's tradition of displaying important public sculptures.
Key facts
- MCA Australia unveiled the 2026–2027 Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace Commission.
- The commission is by Sydney-based artist Nell (b. 1975, Maitland, New South Wales).
- The work is titled 'Holding Both' (2026).
- It is a life-size bronze sculpture of a woman balancing two suspended glass ghosts.
- The figure reflects women's physical and emotional capacity to hold two things at once.
- Nell has been making figurative sculptures of women for nearly two decades.
- Nell had wanted to make this work for over 15 years.
- The sculpture is set against the backdrop of the MCA Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace.
Entities
Artists
- Nell
Institutions
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia)
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Maitland
- New South Wales