MELROSE CENTRAL, ART INSTALLATIONS

| Chris

My new series of permanent artworks at @melrosecentral just opened! Super proud to take part in the project and help build upon the storytelling of the local community.

Massive thanks to @deicorpproperties and @basaltstudio for having me!

Fabrication and installlation by team @diemmecreative

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This series of 3 permanent installations (‘Passage in Motion’, ‘Home/land’, ‘Pathway’) at Melrose Central explores Parramatta as a place shaped by movement, migration and the ongoing relationship between people, culture and the natural landscape. Drawing from the Parramatta River, native flora and wildlife, topographic forms and pathways of travel, the three works connect the area’s layered histories with its contemporary identity as a diverse and continually evolving part of Western Sydney.

Across the series, ideas of journey and belonging are expressed through a contemporary Asian-Australian visual language, bringing cultural motifs into conversation with local landscapes, waterways and histories. Together, the works celebrate Parramatta as a meeting place where different generations, cultures and journeys intersect, new communities grow and connections to the past continue to inform a shared sense of home and place.

CAPTION BY HYATT, Sydney Haymarket

| Chris

Very honoured to be asked to create the hero artwork for the Sydney Haymarket Caption by Hyatt Branch. The artwork is feautured throughout the lobby, talk shop and bedrooms.

Thanks to Red T Multiples team for having me on the project, it’s looks vibrant and full of energy in the heart of Haymarket .

I view the Hotel as a bridge between the future and past of the Haymarket area. I see Chinatown as the ‘centre of the universe’ of Sydney, an area identified by a cross-section of shared stories, histories, culture and community. Geographically a connecting point between our iconic Central station and famous Town Hall.

Located close to the harbour, the area was attractive for farming and trade leading many journeymen and migrants to the area. This came with a grand exchange of food, industry and technique from Chinese communities and the outside world. The area treated these people like family, and it’s this same comfort that I see encapsulated in the ideals of the Caption by Hyatt, Haymarket.

Notable Historical moments include: the Brickfields, Paddy’s Market (literally a Haymarket) The Belmore markets (1893),The Wirth’s Brother’s Hippodrome (1913-1917), now Capitol Theatre and the Wing Sang and Co, Chinese owned import business and building (1890-1984)

In a bubble, Haymarket feels far more global and open to exchange and pathways. These same ethos line up with myself as an Australian born Chinese, the redefining nature of what it means to be both and share two cultures.

The artwork itself is based on the idea of creating a bespoke dream travel map. I wanted to capture the area’s industrial history while at the same time connect relevancy to the modern Asian-Australian community, with lines, shapes and tracings based around the very first heritage blueprints of the area. I reinterpreted the area’s historical buildings, architectural lines and shapes to create a unique, organic map that was to look like a very modern and international connection system for the area’s future.

Reading from left to right – the ‘red’ areas represent land, migration and agricultural history while the ‘green’ area represents industrial history.

Photography by Vicki Hannan
Screenshot

PARRAMATTA LNY ARTWORKS & INSTALLATIONS

| Chris

Hero artworks, various installations and animations for Parramatta Council LNY 2024-2026.

‘Destination/Arrival’, is a giant photo-worthy installation created by Sydney artist, illustrator and animator Chris Yee takes inspiration from motifs of traditional Chinese Paifang and uses contemporary design techniques to reflect the modern Asian Australian.

Yee said his installation symbolises Parramatta’s rich diversity, vibrant culture and transformation.

“I wanted to create something that looks traditional from afar but has a modern twist and vibrancy akin to the diverse personality of Parramatta up close, it’s been really important for me to personally connect with the local community and help champion creative talent in Western Sydney,” Yee said.

“The Fire Horse leads us on a bold year of excitement and action for a promising future. It takes remnants of the past and leads us into something new, transformative and radical.

“I am proud to complete my three-year art tenancy with the City of Parramatta with this vibrant installation that echoes the growth, journey and excitement the city has experienced.”

LARK DISTILLERY X CHRIS YEE

| Chris

Behind the artwork | The 2026 Fire Horse Limited Edition is a vibrant tapestry of symbolism and natural beauty.
Crafted in Tasmania’s whisky super-climate, this special release Single Malt is as rich and layered as the stories woven into its design.

“I wanted to highlight the importance of natural elements, water and land shared in the mythos of both Asian and Australian cultures.” – Chris Yee

SeMi-Permanent 2023

| Chris

Honoured to speak at Semi-Permanent 2023 as part of the keynote programming at Carriageworks, Sydney!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 02: Author and Artist Chris Yee speaks during a session at Semi Permanent Sydney 2023 at Carriageworks on June 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Semi Permanen