SMH: Why are there 5798 ceramic fortune cookies at Rookwood Cemetery?
:quality(82)/media/news/Hiddens-curator-Dr-Kath-Fries-with-Jayanto-Tans-sculptural-installation-And-Then-Pai-Ti-Kong-A-praying-The-Heaven-GodCREDITRHETT-WYMAN.png)
SMH: Why are there 5798 ceramic fortune cookies at Rookwood Cemetery?
By Lenny Ann Low
SMH has featured the 12th annual HIDDEN Rookwood Sculpture exhibition, with NAS alumni Mark Booth, Philippa Hagon, Hyun Hee Lee, Pamela Leung, Joanne Makas, Leisa Saige, Jayanto Tan, Whimbrel Wilson and current student Em Ingram-Shute all exhibiting their works.
Like art, historic Rookwood Cemetery can inspire people to slow down, contemplate life and consider the surrounding world.
With the return of Hidden, the cemetery’s annual art walk, the world within the largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere is enhanced by 55 sculptures, installations, photos and video works scattered between curving pathways, gracious pavilions and 100-year-old trees.
Exhibition curator Dr Kath Fries says Hidden, installed on a two-kilometre walk, aims to honour the cemetery, support artists’ expression and change perceptions of cemeteries as dark or intimidating places.
Latest News
Thursday 09 July 2026
:quality(82)/media/100425_Dobell-Prize_Kristen-Sharpwinner_Rosemary-Lee_001_Peter-Morgan-2048x1477.jpg)
Thursday 09 July 2026
Applications are now open for The 25th Dobell Drawing Prize. The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, and an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation and expanded practice. Presented at the National Art School in partnership with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, this biennial exhibition continues to highlight the enduring relevance and changing role of dra…
Tuesday 30 June 2026
:quality(82)/media/exhibitions/260603_LRG_BabetteRobertson_01_0051-1.jpg)
Tuesday 30 June 2026
Please see below for current and forthcoming exhibitions and events featuring our staff and alumni. National Art School: Inherent Vice Inherent Vice is curated by NAS alum and current staff member Amelia Skelton, with curatorial support from Dr Elizabeth Pulie. The exhibition features NAS alumni Mitchell Davis, Drew Connor Holland and Sadie Whalen, alongside work by sessional lecturer Katy B …
Tuesday 30 June 2026
:quality(82)/media/news/Nick-Collerson-2026_Dithyramb_0384.jpg)
Tuesday 30 June 2026
Please see below for current and forthcoming exhibitions and events featuring our staff and alumni. Dr Carolyn McKenzie-Craig: Becoming Penguin (Act II) Head of Printmaking, Dr Carolyn McKenzie-Craig, presents Becoming Penguin (Act II) at PARKER Contemporary, Brisbane. The exhibition asks what it means to seek protection from a world that continues to decide who is seen, who is suspected, and w…