Environmental Sculpture

In Max Lyle’s Environmental Sculpture the reflective surfaces of the polished stainless steel create interaction between the sculpture, the viewer, and the flux of light and movement in the surrounding environment.  

Lyle was inspired by the interesting shapes and sweeping movement used in hand-written classical music compositions and sheet music. The flow of these floating forms was designed to evoke the fluidity and movement of music and dance. The profile of the forms are like the shape of notes and clefs in musical scores but also refer to the human arm and hand gestures of theatre performers. The artist emulates the gestural qualities of both in the sculpture itself.  

Lyle sees these forms as a welcoming invitation to enter the space. They are reminiscent of a beckoning hand or arm, which Lyle aligns with the tone and purpose of Adelaide Festival Centre. The shapes reach forward to welcome and call the viewer closer.