Colin Polwarth
Colin Polwarth was born in Harare in 1964 and currently lives and works in Sydney. His practice observes the cause and effect of environmental phenomena such as wind, sound, light, movement, heat, cold, growth, death, movement, cycles of life and ecological systems in the Australian landscape. He works across multiple media forms including oil, watercolour, drawing, animation, pigments, bronze, glass and computer aided design and performance. Polwarth produces large scale intricate installations, adaptation, subtraction, ephemeral and enduring interventions. His practice is materially intentionally complex, subtle and energetic. Polwarth explores the world of colour and form, light and dark with in his experimental tactile research-based work.
In addition to his artistic practice, Polwarth is a multiple award-winning architect and urban designer. His work explores a spiritual connection to the landscape, to the planet and its spatio-spiritual relationships. Polwarth’s practice is political and environmental.
EDUCATION
Current
PhD candidate Royal College of Art, London, part time remote
2016
Master of Art by painting awarded with Excellence UNSW Art & Design, Sydney
1994
Master of Architecture, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
1992
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Cape Town, South Africa
PUBLIC ART
2016
Cutler VC interchange rebranding, Westlink M7
2016
St Helena Tunnel interior, Ewingsdale to Tintenbar, upgrade of the Pacific Highway
2008
Lighthorse Interchange, Westlink M7, associate director CM+
2008
Heritage interpretation and public art strategy Westlink M7 associate director CM+
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2016
Driverless, UNSW Art and Design, The Blackbox
2016
RIPE! Gaffa Gallery, Sydney
2012
COFA Annual 2012, UNSW Art & Design
1996
Architects exhibit, Desiree Resnik Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
AWARDS
National Award of Excellence in Infrastructure 2021, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects for the Pacific Highway.
NSW Regional Achievement Award 2021, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW, Pacific Highway Upgrade (Studio Colin Polwarth)
NSW Infrastructure Award 2021, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW, Pacific Highway Upgrade (Studio Colin Polwarth)
NSW Infrastructure Award 2019, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Pacific Complete (Studio Colin Polwarth)
NSW Infrastructure Award 2017, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW, Pacific Complete, Portion C (Hassell as applicant with Studio Colin Polwarth)
National Award for Engineering Excellence 2016, Engineers Australia, for Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Upgrade of the Pacific Highway (Arcadis), Studio Colin Polwarth was urban design administrator, Colin was lead urban designer and Associate Director of CM+ with Context Landscape Architecture
Municipal Safety Award 2009, Glebe Point Road, City of Sydney, Colin was lead designer and Associate of CM+ with Context Landscape Architecture
Planning Award 2008, Planning Institute of Australia for Brunswick to Yelgun Upgrade of the Pacific Highway (HBO+EMTB applicant), Colin was lead designer and Associate of CM+ author of the concept design, with Context Landscape Architecture
NSW Infrastructure Award 2008, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW, Brunswick to Yelgun Pacific Highway Upgrade, (HBO+EMTB applicant), Colin was lead designer and Associate of CM+ author of the concept design, with Context Landscape Architecture
Planning Merit Award 2007, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects NSW, Bobbin Head and Apple Tree Bay Conservation Management Plan, Colin was lead designer and Associate of CM+ with Context Landscape Architecture
Energy Australia 2007 Award, National Trust Heritage Award, Bobbin Head and Apple Tree Bay Conservation Management Plan, Colin was lead designer and Associate of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
Global Roads Achievement Award 2007, International Roads Federation (SMEC) Westlink M7, Colin was lead urban design and Associate Director of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
Engineering Excellence Award: Infrastructure category 2006, Engineers Australia (National) - (SMEC) Westlink M7, Colin was lead urban design and Associate Director of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
Engineering Excellence Award: Infrastructure category 2006, Engineers Australia (NSW Division) (SMEC) Westlink M7, Colin was lead urban design and Associate Director of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
Transport and Civil Infrastructure Award for Excellence 2006, Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (Maunsell) Westlink M7, Colin was lead urban design and Associate Director of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
International Concrete Award 2006 (Maunsell) Westlink M7, Colin was lead urban design and Associate Director of CM+, with Context Landscape Architecture
Award recipient of the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, 1992
Award recipient Centre for Science Development SA, 1992
Merit Award for Architectural Design II, 1983, School of Architecture, University of Natal (University of Kwazulu Natal)
Merit Award for Architectural Design III, 1984, School of Architecture, University of Natal, (University of Kwazulu Natal)
D. Calvert Mac Donald, Best Student in Third Year Architecture, 1984, University of Natal, (University of Kwazulu Natal)
SA Institute of Steel Construction Award, 1984, University of Natal, (University of Kwazulu Natal)
Music Award 1977, Organ Society of Bulawayo, Harare, Zimbabwe, First Prize
Music Award 1975, Organ Society of Bulawayo, Harare, Zimbabwe, First Prize
PUBLICATIONS
Polwarth, C. 1994, A study of the influence of Barrie Biermann on the architectural culture of Southern Africa. M.Arch thesis, (unpublished) University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Polwarth, C. October 2021. Living with Autonomous Vehicles in the City. UrbanDesignReview. https://urbandesignreview.com/living-with-autonomous-vehicles-in-the-city/
WEBSITES
