Ai Weiwei
New Commission

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia's 2026 Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn commission by Ai Weiwei is now open to the public. This commission is the second edition of the Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission, an annual series of large-scale sculptural works by leading contemporary artists presented in front of the MCA. The installation, titled Mushrooms, is comprised of 500 cast-iron sculptures of combat helmets. Each sculpture is made from a single mould based on various 20th-century combat helmets. In Mushrooms, combat helmets become a symbol of endurance and survival, drawing attention to the human cost of war. The installation echoes in form both contemporary minimal sculpture and public memorials as the arrangement of the helmets are presented in 10 uniform rows on an elevated platform.

 

"In the era we live in, the 21st century, wars have not ceased. We continue to exist in a time where war and peace interchangeably assume each other’s roles, shaping the identity of our age. I hope this work prompts people to reflect on war and peace," Ai states.

 

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia's iconic Tallawoladah Lawn is located in front of the museum overlooking the Sydney Harbour. Visitors are invited to walk through Mushrooms along its central pathway. The installation is free and open to the public.

 

Learn more at mca.com.au.