This reservoir, located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, is part of the city’s critical infrastructure to supply water. A covered facility, with long sets of stairs that punctuate its steep contours, it has a second role as a large recreational park, providing an oasis within the busy metropolis.  

Here, two runners appear to have reached the top of the stairs with ease. They are anchored in the composition by the woman behind them, carrying a red bag, perhaps packed for a picnic or simply laden with groceries. Contrasting swift strides with laboured steps, Smart reflects on the different speeds at which we navigate modern life.