Crossing Potts Point
Photographic Essay, Cityscape, Urban Photography, Fine Art, Leica
The Coke sign has been an integral part of the landscape in Sydney's Kings Cross area for decades. It has become an iconic landmark that signals one is entering the Cross. Erected in 1974 on the corner of Darlinghurst Road and William Street, the sign was expanded to its current size in 1990 - 41 by 13 metres (134 by 42 feet).
However, I do wonder: isn’t it time for a change that reflects our views on health rather than promoting sugar-filled softdrinks? Only once in all the decades there has been a billboard in this position has it advertised anything other than Coke. In 2004, the video game Halo 2 was advertised on there, but just for a moment.
I do enjoy photographing the sign, the light it reflects is always interesting and the colours are vibrant. I've shot from a different angle this time and have included two key elements. Firstly, a red traffic light, which is in conversation with the sign on the colour level. And secondly, I’ve captured the design conversation between the billboard and the Omnia apartment building, which was supposed to have an hourglass-shaped design according to its architects. For me, though, from this point of view it speaks to coke bottle shapes and I can imagine a junior in the architect firm contemplating the billboard, while drinking a bottle of coke and having a eureka moment.
This essay includes photos I made on a recent photo walk around my neighbourhood. I love being able to simply get amongst it with my cameras, no fixed agenda in mind, and being open to inspiration.
:: Rand
If you'd like to delve deeper into my photography visit my website. Please reach out if you'd like to suggest a collaboration or if you are interested in having my art adorn your walls.
All images are copyright Rand Leeb-du Toit, 2024
Wow! "Ominous Signs" is fantastic! Your knack for contrasting colors in everyday details like this is really interesting.