The Wings of Our Angels

By Joel Adler and Aunty Nancy​​

In the peaceful oasis that is the rooftop garden at Wayside Chapel Kings Cross sits our beautiful memorial sculpture, The Wings of Our Angels. Co-created by Joel Adler and Aunty Nancy Long, this artwork honours those who have walked alongside us and left a legacy of love for our community.

On Joel Adler’s first tour of Wayside Chapel, the industrial designer met Aunty Nancy, Wayside Chapel Cultural Activity Worker at the time, and proud South Australian Ngarrindjeri, Nunga Woman. Over kitchen prep for mob lunches in the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Joel saw first-hand the transformative work that Aunty Nancy and the team were doing at Wayside.

“I wanted to work with Aunty on this project, not only to include a First Nations persons perspective, but also to collaborate with someone who has a direct connection and love for Wayside,” explains Joel.

After sharing his initial ideas, including the geometrics of dragonfly wings, Aunty Nancy responded with sketches and ideas on colours and materials.

“The veins of the dragonfly wings inspired me, because it’s about connection,” says the sculpture’s artist, Aunty Nancy. “The angel wings represent those who have passed, flying on to the next journey.”

Each feather on the wings is engraved with the name of someone who held Wayside dear to their heart, sharing our vision of Love Over Hate.

“The work is not complete yet. It was an important part that the sculpture grows over time. So that’s why there’s a lot of empty space in the work and I’m hoping in 20 years’ time, we’ll come back and see it filled with names,” says Joel.