A symbiotic relationship is a sculpture by artist Jimmy Rix in the Parliament House Art Collections.

In his practice, Rix brings humour, a deep connection to Australian icons and environmental themes into his work. Having lived in both natural and agricultural landscapes across Australia, Rix draws on personal experiences and familiar objects to inform his practice.

Recalling his early life, Rix says,

I grew up on a farm in Queensland, and every afternoon I would saddle my horse and ride until the sun went down.¹

This upbringing immersed him in a landscape where farming and native animals were part of everyday life, shaping the subjects and narratives of his sculptures.

Kangaroos, cows, sheep, farming equipment, and animal-machine hybrids are often caricatured and infused with wit. Rix frequently works with Corten steel and applies patina surface treatments that reflect the earthy tones of the Australian landscape.

Jimmy Rix 
Jimmy Rix born in 1971 in Allora, Queensland, is an award-winning artist who specialises in metal sculpture. He has exhibited widely in both solo and group shows across Australia and internationally. He has been commissioned to create large-scale public artworks in Australia and China. A regular participant in outdoor sculpture events such as Sculpture by the Sea, Rix’s work has earned multiple accolades, including the Waverley Council Mayor’s Award at Sculpture by the Sea (2019), the Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition prize (2019), and twice winning the Lake Lights Sculpture Prize (2014-2015).

References  
1. Oliva Welsh, “Jimmy Rix”, Jimmy Rix, accessed September 10, 2025. https://www.jimmyrix.com/essay