Dialogue by Hew Chee Fong and LM Noonan

Extensive repairs of Dialogue by Hew Chee Fong has recently been completed. The work was done in consultation with the artist and specialist contractors. This work celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. Dialogue will continue to provide interest and inspiration for locals and visitors alike.

Located in the prominent shopping strip of Coolum along David Low Way, Dialogue has a significant history. It was commissioned and installed in 1997, with a streetscape redevelopment. Dialogue remains one if our oldest Public Art Collection Works by two of the regions most acclaimed public art artists, Hew Chee Fong and LM Noonan.

" Dialogue is meant to act as a focal point of welcome and to denote some of the special qualities of Coolum. It is a work intentionally designed to reflect Coolum’s relaxed, fun loving and informal atmosphere. The sculpture invites touch and exploration by young and old alike. Children especially like the interactive elements such as the peepholes and monkey puzzle.

Coolums' dramatic coastline and the power of nature provided the primary source of inspiration. The distinctive 'egg rocks' created through ceaseless tumbling on the beach over eons and entrapped in crevices by the same pounding nature of the waves are expressed in a variety of ways in this large gateway installation. The spirit of the beachcomber is there as well, in the eroded sandcastle shapes and marine patterning in parts of the work." Hew Chee Fong.