Public artwork Oushi Zokei, Dream Lens for the Future (Dream Lens) by renowned Japanese artist Keizo Ushio, has been permanently relocated to its new home on the Lake Tuggeranong foreshore.
Previously located in the median of Northbourne Avenue, Dream Lens was removed in February this year to make way for the construction of Light Rail Stage 2A.
The four-tonne granite ring was transported to its new location between the Tuggeranong Library and the Community Centre on Cowlishaw Street.
The new location was selected in close consultation with the artist’s Australian representative and artsACT. It reflects Ushio’s original design intention: to frame the landscape through the sculpture’s circular form and to invite people to interact with the work up close. The site offers sweeping views across Lake Tuggeranong and is easily accessible via a newly refurbished pedestrian walkway.
The new garden setting places the sculpture at ground level and includes native vegetation and a seating ledge. This thoughtful design allows visitors to sit, observe, and view the lake and parklands through the sculpture’s circular lens, as the artist envisioned.
“Dream Lens is a powerful piece that invites people to pause, reflect, and connect with their surroundings,” said Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson.
“It is an important part of the ACT Government’s public art program. Its relocation is part of a broader effort to spread Canberra’s public art collection while accommodating the city’s growing infrastructure needs.”
Ushio shared his thoughts following the relocation of his work.
“I have received news that my stone sculpture “Oushi Zokei, Dream Lens for the Future” has found a new home. When I installed it near the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit in 2012, I was asked “How will this sculpture contribute to the creation of Canberra’s soul?” and I remember answering “This sculpture will continue to watch the rapid development of Canberra’s urban development without changing its form.”
“This time, it has been moved to a beautiful urban landscape closer to the citizens’ lives. I believe that this sculpture will communicate more intimately with the citizens on a daily basis.”
“I would like to visit the site in October this year. I appreciate everyone’s efforts. Thank you very much.”
In addition to Dream Lens, the ACT Government has also removed Decollete, a large-scale sculpture by local artist Michael Le Grand, from Reed Street in Greenway for conservation. It will be refurbished and reinstalled later this year in a more prominent lakefront location near the Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Once Decollete is reinstalled, Tuggeranong will feature five public artworks within a 500-metre stretch of the lake foreshore, reinforcing the town centre’s growing reputation as a hub for public art and cultural engagement.
