Discover Ngabu shell art bridge and interactive walk at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct

Aunty Lola Ryan hails from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. She has designed Ngabu in homage to the series of shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan.

Ngabu shell art bridge and interactive walk
Ngabu, by Aunty Lola Ryan, an interactive artwork inspired by Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. Installation, 2025. Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd and Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Sydney, Gadigal Country Image DCITHS

Aunty Lola Ryan hails from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. She has designed Ngabu (Dharawal language for Nan / Grandmother) in homage to the series of shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan which are now found in the collections of our prominent cultural institutions.

With Ngabu, Aunty Lola takes shell art to a new dimension in a giant interactive installation mounted on top of the overhead bridge on Hickson Rd. Climb up and over the arch of Aunty Lola’s bridge and marvel at the giant colourful shell patterns while also taking in the view of the city's own Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The interactive Ngabu journey continues via an augmented reality treasure hunt around Walsh Bay, featuring audio and video animations that interpret stories relevant to Walsh Bay.

Where: Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd and Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Sydney, Gadigal Country

When: until 27 April 2025.

Artist: Aunty Lola Ryan

Designer: Joey Ruigrok van der Weven

Curator / producer: City People

AR design: EyeJack