The Spheres Sculpture, Adelaide

The Spheres Sculpture, affectionately known as the “Mall's Balls,” has been a beloved landmark in Adelaide, since its installation in 1977. Situated in Rundle Mall, this iconic piece of public art was donated to the city by the Hindmarsh Building Society to commemorate the opening of the thoroughfare and the society's centenary.

Created by renowned artist Bert Flugelman, the sculpture consists of two large stainless steel spheres, each 2.15 meters (7 feet 1 inch) in diameter, stacked atop one another to reach a height of 4 meters (13 feet). The reflective surfaces of the spheres distort and elongate the reflections of the surrounding streetscape, making it a popular spot for tourist photographs.

Originally titled "On Further Reflection," the sculpture quickly became a well-loved feature of Adelaide's cityscape, so much so that it has seamlessly blended into the public's perception of the space, often overshadowing its identity as an abstract artwork. Locals fondly refer to it as the “Mall's Balls” and frequently use it as a meeting point, with the phrase “I’ll meet you at the Balls” being a common refrain. The image of the spheres has also become a symbol of the city, appearing on various souvenirs, including T-shirts, key rings, and posters.

The construction of The Spheres involved collaboration with the local firm Brister & Company, who crafted the sculpture by welding together the two halves of each sphere and meticulously finishing them through panel beating. Despite some controversy in 2013, when there were discussions about relocating the sculpture during a Rundle Mall upgrade, The Spheres remained in place, continuing to serve as a central gathering spot for Adelaide residents and visitors alike. The Spheres stands as a lasting tribute to Flugelman's artistic legacy and his significant contributions to the cultural fabric of Adelaide.