How Wysiwyg 3D Played a Part in Bringing Nell’s Sculpture Installation Vision to Life in ‘Holding Both’ 2026. Now at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney
About Nell, an Iconic Australian Artist
Nell is a contemporary Australian multidisciplinary artist living and working in Sydney. Nells work spans over 2 decades across performance, immersive installation, video, textiles, painting, and sculpture. Her art blends, rock’n roll, buddhist philosophy and explores binary opposites like life and death, and the sacred and profane.
Nells work has been included in over 250 exhibitions internationally. This includes prominent institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, MONA in Hobart, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney.
“Nell is represented by Station Gallery in Australia”
‘Women are often expected to balance competing demands, both from ourselves and society. Somehow, we manage to carry the proverbial weight of the world with poise and grace.’
-Nell
The Challenge: Crafting a Vision in 3D for Sculpture
When artist Nell set out to create a life-size sculpture for the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace, she faced a unique set of challenges. As an artist known for her exploration of binary opposites, it was crucial that her work remained raw and authentic while being appropriate for the public terrace installation. At the same time, the process of 3D printing required the digital model to be sliced into smaller parts due to the size of 3D printers. We call this process “splits”. Furthermore, a few adjustments were made to the digital model; such as removing undergarment lines and strengthening fragile parts like the hair, to withstand the process of casting metal.
A Collaborative Approach to Problem-Solving
Wysiwyg 3D stepped up to the plate. Shane, from the Wysiwyg 3D team, and artist Nell worked closely, spending countless hours fine-tuning the details of the 3D scanned digital model. This ensured that the 3D imaging aspects aligned perfectly with Nell’s artistic vision. Here’s how they tackled it:
- Personalised Customisation: Shane determined where the “splits” were necessary for the 3D printing process. Using advanced software and precise skills, the team made digital modifications to eliminate undergarment indentations and add signature elements, like the iconic smiley faces on the edges of the refined stick element.
- State-of-the-Art 3D Printing: The team utilised Quick Cast as opposed to wax casting, a cutting-edge 3D printing technique originally developed for aerospace applications. This method allowed for efficient casting of the metal sculpture, ensuring durability and accuracy in the final piece by completely burning away in the process.
- Structural Adjustments: The team made strategic adjustments to parts of the model that were prone to breaking, like the intricate hair details. These changes ensured that the sculpture would be robust enough to endure the casting process without losing its artistic integrity.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The results are nothing short of remarkable. Nell’s sculpture, with its utilitarian stick and suspended glass ghosts, stands as a testament to the capabilities of women who balance physical and mental challenges. This life-size multimedia figure of bronze and glass is an embodiment of themes like presence, historical depictions of women, and functional tools. It’s now proudly displayed on the MCA’s Sculpture Terrace. This is a space dedicated to supporting Australian sculptural works, thanks to Mrs Loti Smorgon’s generous donation.
Proof in the Sculpture
The successful completion of Nell’s work demonstrates the power of collaboration and technology in the art world. Nell’s work has been showcased in prestigious institutions all over Australia. Her sculpture on the Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art now joins the ranks of other renowned artists like Ricky Swallow and Sangeeta Sandrasegar, adding another feather to her cap.
This project highlights the potential for artists to push boundaries using 3D technology. Adding a touch of Wysiwyg 3D’s digital engineering prowess to Nell’s artistic vision resulted in a piece that’s visually striking and deeply meaningful. Nell continues to further the realm of contemporary art and spark meaningful conversations about binaries whilst honouring the power of women.
We recommend reading about Nell and her bodies of work at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s website. You can visit her work, Holding Both, until the 23rd of August 2027.
Artist’s Acknowledgements: Holding Both, Nell, Museum of Contemporary Art, Loti Smorgon Sculture Terrace
3D imaging: WYSIWYG 3D
Bronze fabrication: Crawford’s Casting
Glass fabrication: Canberra Glassworks (Annette Blair, Louis Grant, Nina Casey-Brown, Robert Schwartz)
Engineers: Partridge
Nell would like to thank STATION Australia, and Powerhouse Museum Creative Residency.
Source of Terrace Sculpture Photographs:
Nell, Holding Both, 2026, bronze, patina, brass, glass, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia with generous support from Lead Patrons Ginny and Leslie Green and Vicki Vidor OAM, 2026, image courtesy the artist and STATION, Australia © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera
Photos of behind the scenes software and factory work sourced from Wysiwyg 3D and Crawfords Castings
Photo Credit: Mark Pokorny