Hal Epstein – Sydney by Crane

Exhibition Concept: Sydney by Crane

Sydney by Crane comprises a series of photographic prints in colour, documenting the ubiquitous crane population operating in the Sydney basin from 2019-2022, and the way these colossal machines interact with the natural environment.

Local photographer and retired engineer, Hal Epstein, who has specialised in bird photography for the past decade, now turns his lens to the sky to capture mechanical beasts alongside the feathered variety.

It is said Sydney has 2 seasons: demolition & construction. With Sydney’s development boom in full swing, and natural habitat being converted to concrete and glass structures, Hal has become fascinated with the way the natural world adapts to the rapidly changing face of the city.

His unusual vantage points have, for example, captured cockatoos nesting within the towering SMXL crane counterwight in the village of Double Bay, where a high level of contested development is underway.

On one hand, Hal marvels at the feat of engineering these electro mechanical monsters balanced intricately above the suburbs and skyscrapers represent. On the other, he laments the loss of trees, green space and the hyper industrialization of a city he has called home for 80 years.

This photographic series poses the question: are cranes a blight on the landscape or a vision of wonder intricately woven into the everyday life of a city?

In his pursuit of this premise, Hal has documented cranes towering over construction sites throughout the local Woollahra municipality and further afield throughout the Sydney basin. As a resident of Double Bay since 1977, he was particularly interested in covering the dramatic changes in the suburbs around him – from Cranbrook’s makeover to the new buildings on Cross Street, Double Bay, the controversial new Stadium at Moore Park and the long awaited New Sydney Fish Market

Using a suite of lenses Hal seeks to reveal aspects and details of urban development that would not normally be glimpsed by Sydney’s citizens in their general daily circulation.

This show will be curated by renowned photographer, Sue Paull, whose striking images of life inside the NSW prison system have been exhibited and collected by the Art Gallery of NSW, the NSW State Library and the Justice and Police Museum. Sue has extensive curatorial experience and is working with Hal to distill a concise series of images that will lead the viewer on a cohesive journey through his crane odyssey.

Hal also finds relevance in the cultural and historical significance of cranes, some of which were pioneered, designed and built in Australia including the “Kangaroo or Jumping Crane” manufactured by Favelle Mort in Sydney in the 1960s, and the mobile or Franna Crane. Unbeknownst to many, these cranes which originated in Australia are used internationally and have enabled some of the most famous buildings in the world to be built, including New York’s now-destroyed Twin Towers.