Australia’s National Gallery Unveils $14 Million Sculpture

Canberra, Australia, has recently become home to a monumental sculpture called Ouroboros, designed by the prominent Chinese-Australian artist Lindy Lee. This artwork draws inspiration from the ancient symbol of a snake consuming its own tail, representing cycles of birth, death, and renewal—concepts deeply rooted in Taoist and Buddhist philosophies that have influenced Lee throughout her career. The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) officially unveiled the sculpture, which is notably the most expensive artwork in their collection, costing $14 million and weighing a staggering 13 tonnes. Crafted over a span of four years, the sculpture involved the meticulous efforts of 200 skilled artisans, who dedicated a total of 60,000 hours to its completion. Ouroboros not only stands four metres tall but also offers an interactive experience for visitors, who are invited to walk into its mouth. The sculpture’s design features a highly polished surface embedded with 45,000 perforations, allowing it to reflect the environment during the day while radiating light at night. Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, lauded the installation, emphasizing its cultural significance and potential to inspire future generations of artists and thinkers. Lindy Lee expressed her hope that Ouroboros serves as a meditative space, encouraging reflection on life's cycles and the beauty surrounding us. As a sustainable piece made from recycled materials, the sculpture underscores the commitment to minimizing carbon impact. Ouroboros is positioned in the National Sculpture Garden, where it levitates over a serene pond, enhancing the landscape and highlighting the gallery's collection. With an anticipated lifespan of at least 500 years, the artwork is set to become a landmark not only for Canberra but for all of Australia.