The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has unveiled its newest and most expensive artwork, Ouroboros, in Canberra.
The 13-tonne, $14 million sculpture by Chinese-Australian artist Lindy Lee is inspired by the ancient symbol of a snake swallowing its own tail, representing cycles of birth, death, and renewal.
According to the official statement, it took four years to complete and involved 60,000 hours of work by 200 skilled artisans. The massive artwork now sits in the NGA’s forecourt, levitating over a pond in the National Sculpture Garden.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn officially unveiled the sculpture.
“Ouroboros is not only an extraordinary work of art but a lasting symbol of human creativity and resilience. Its message of renewal and transformation resonates deeply with the Australian spirit,” she said.
Installed as an addition to the national collection, Ouroboros is expected to last at least 500 years.
During the day, the sculpture’s mirrored surface reflects the world around it, while at night, 45,000 perforations in its highly polished surface beam light back into the environment.
Ouroboros stands four metres high and visitors can walk into the sculpture’s “mouth.”
Lindy Lee, whose 40-year career has been shaped by Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, expressed her excitement at seeing the sculpture in its new home.
“I hope that Ouroboros becomes a meditative space where people can reflect on the cycles of life and the beauty of the world around them,” she said.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said it was a sculpture of cultural significance.
“This is more than just a sculpture. It is a monumental piece of cultural significance. Ouroboros will not only attract visitors but also inspire future generations of artists and thinkers. This is a landmark for Canberra, and for the nation,” he stated.
Ouroboros was made using recycled materials and designed to minimise carbon impact.
