Lincoln Austin

Lincoln Austin is an Australian artist renowned for exploring geometry and patterns to create optical illusions and perceptual effects. His works often investigate the blurred boundaries between idealized forms and physical realities, inviting viewers to engage with colour, form, and materials in ways that open up endless interpretive possibilities. Represented by Jan Murphy Gallery, Austin's practice is characterized by a fascination with how seemingly simple shapes and structures can produce complex and dynamic visual experiences.

One of Austin's latest public artworks, Drifting, is at Jewel, a prominent beachfront redevelopment between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in Southeast Queensland. The artwork draws inspiration from natural and nautical elements like seashells, sailboats, and crystals while maintaining a unique form. Drifting is a gently spiralling sculpture that interacts harmoniously with its architectural surroundings, creating a striking yet serene visual presence. The work captivates viewers with reflective surfaces that generate an optical illusion of transparency, offering a singular experience that evokes the concept of drifting—deviating from a set course to explore new directions.

The creation of Drifting was a meticulous and collaborative effort. UAP worked closely with Lincoln Austin, The Langham Hotel, and Jewel Residencies to bring this impressive 4m tall and 2.8m wide piece to life. The artwork's core structure consists of aluminium' umbrella panels' with routed pattern details, covered in polished stainless-steel panels to achieve the reflective surfaces that define its optical effects. UAP's team in Australia led the design development, fabrication, and installation of Drifting, ensuring Austin's vision was expertly realized as part of Southeast Queensland's dynamic landscape.