We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

🛈 Find out what you need to know before visiting

Francis Upritchard

A long-haired person dressed in black sits with their arm around their raised knee

Francis Upritchard, photo: Brigitte Niedermair

Here Comes Everybody

The fantastical is at the heart of the Welcome Plaza of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building with the arrival of Francis Upritchard’s towering figures, inspired by mythology, folklore and the surrounding Moreton Bay fig trees. Enticing visitors of all ages, Upritchard’s playful bronze beings are workers, collaborators, creators and guardians who, in the artist’s words, ‘ready your mind to be receptive to anything’.

On display:
North Building, Welcome Plaza

A large long-legged purple figure with another long-armed figure on their back

Installation view of Francis Upritchard Here Comes Everybody 2022, commissioned for the Sydney Modern Project with funds provided by Peter Weiss AO, the Droga Family in memory of Vibeke Droga, the Hadley Family, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation 2022 © Francis Upritchard

A large long-legged blue figure with another long-armed figure on their back puts spheres into a pile

Installation view of Francis Upritchard Here Comes Everybody 2022, commissioned for the Sydney Modern Project with funds provided by Peter Weiss AO, the Droga Family in memory of Vibeke Droga, the Hadley Family, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation 2022 © Francis Upritchard

A large long-legged blue figure with another long-armed figure on their back who reaches down to a creature on the ground

Installation view of Francis Upritchard Here Comes Everybody 2022, commissioned for the Sydney Modern Project with funds provided by Peter Weiss AO, the Droga Family in memory of Vibeke Droga, the Hadley Family, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation 2022 © Francis Upritchard

Francis Upritchard Studio. Photo: Daniel Mazza

Artist Francis Upritchard (right, standing) in her Italian studio working on one of her fantastical figures that will greet visitors in the Welcome Plaza of the Art Gallery’s new building, photo: Daniel Mazza