I usually run with a theme. I am finally taking you to our National Galleries latest art work, an interactive sculpture in the gallery's forecourt.
Lindy Lee's 13-tonne Ouroboros, based on the ancient tale of the same name about a snake swallowing its own tail, allows visitors to enter the sculpture's "mouth" and see the light beams inside.
As part of the years-long process, Lindy Lee worked closely with Ngunnawal
elder Aunty Jude Barlow, and in an "unbelievable coincidence" discovered
the importance of the snake to Ngunnawal heritage.
Visitors can enter the Ouroboros's "mouth" and walk into the curved space to experience darkness that is illuminated by light beams emanating from 45,000 holes in its surface.
The
sculpture's stainless steel finish has been designed to last for at
least 500 years (which means it will be standing long after the gallery is gone) and is now open to the public 24 hours a day.
It would be an amazing sight at night but for our first visit we went during the day.
In my usual minimalist fashion lots of photos follow.
I found the interplay of light and reflections mesmerising. In common with many other countries the world over the cost of living is rising here. Many people are struggling and more money needs to be invested in housing, in health and in education. With that in mind do I regret the money spent on this sculpture? No - and in the interests of perspective it cost the Australian public less than a dollar per person.
I hope you find things to delight you this week.
I find it quite mesmerizing and if it fills the role that art usually fills it will repay the investment in public education and tranquility. There are always - and always will be - Philistines for whom everything has to have a monetary value; thank goodness they are not in the majority.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: I am endlessly grateful that my city is filled with art. Yes, I would like to see more money spent on assisting the vulnerable but don't see that those efforts and art are an either/or proposition.
DeleteYou're right, it *shouldn't* be either/or
DeleteRiver: Some people will disagree. Tough.
DeleteIt is really fantastic. Makes the mind whirl!
ReplyDeleteSandi: I think so too.
DeleteHi EC - what an interesting sculpture ... and on reading up about 'Ouroboros' gave me some new insights; including the local aboriginal peoples, the Ngunnawal. Fascinating it'll last beyond the museum itself ... and possibly Canberra even/probably. I hope you get a chance to go at night ... so pleased you've been there and introduced us to this art ... delighted to see it and learn more - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: We will see it at night - even if we wait until Enlighten next year. I like its longevity too -though if it lasts only 400 years I wonder who will be around to seek restitution - and who from. Which makes me smile.
DeleteThat's cool people can go inside it. Practical art!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: While we were there everyone who came to see it went inside. I only heard words of appreciation too.
DeleteThat is beautiful, and I love your “minimalist” style always. The more, the merrier! It would be spectacular to see and experience in person, I’m sure.
ReplyDeleteI hope the coming week treats you kindly, my wonderful friend. Positive thoughts and hugs to you always. Sending scritches to Batty and Odie as well.
Forgot to add River Fairchild to the above.
DeleteRiver Fairchild: It is (I think) fabulous, and how I wish you could see my city. Next week looks ugly and I am still feeling foul but Battie, Odie and I thank you. Muchly.
DeleteThe word that came to me in gawking at these photos, same word you used: "mesmerising." Thank you, EC. Hugs across the miles and waters.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: I am so glad that you like it too - and return your hugs.
DeleteI like it. How far can you into it? Can you climb up the to the small opening and drop out? 😁
ReplyDeleteMike: You can't go very far in - but I didn't consider climbing up from the inside. Next time we visit I will investigate and report back.
DeleteThe metallic surface with reflections in amorphous shape is very nice
ReplyDeleteroentare: We think so too. I am looking forward to seeing it at night too.
DeleteAn amazing sculpture and reminded me of a giant dounut and I got so hungry, I hope you have a great new week.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: I didn't even consider a donut - you must have been hungry before you saw it. It is amazing though.
DeleteFascinating and intriguing. Thanks for widening my horizon, Sue.
ReplyDeleteSean Jeating: It is my pleasure.
DeleteIt's a neat sculpture. Housing costs are rising everywhere, more needs to be done about affordable housing in all places.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland. I agree. On both counts. Housing affordability and the cost of essentials does need to be addressed but we need art too.
DeleteInteresting, EC. Not sure if it's to my taste or liking, but that matters not. Snakes are not my favourite creatures, and I'd feel weird entering the sculpture, I am sure. But that's just me. :)
ReplyDeleteTake good care...have a restful, enjoyable week ahead. My cuddles to Batty and Odie.
Lee: It really isn't (or I don't think so) at all snake like in the flesh so to speak. I am not good about snakes myself and appreciate them from considerable distances.
DeleteThis is beautiful! and affordable. Humans can solve the affordability problem but power and money are more important to those in a position to build or make policy. Have a good week.
ReplyDeletee: It was expensive but I believe it to be money well spent. And agreed on the affordability problems that beset so many people.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a fascinating sculpture. Thank you for sharing your visit. Art is often the first thing to be cut back when money is tight, but its effect on people shouldn't be underestimated.
Have a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Fortunately my city has a LOT of art. There are complaints from time to time, but so far they have been ignored. And you will be shocked and surprised (not) that I agree with you. We need art.
DeleteWow! This sculpture is fabulous, Sue! Yes, people need more investments made in housing, health, and education. But art feeds the soul, and throughout human history people have created and needed art. The dollars spent to visit this amazing sculpture are dollars well spent. Have a happy week, Sue!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: I am so glad that many people, you included, agree with me. Art definitely feeds my soul and our sculpture garden is fabulous - despite the fact that I neither like nor understand all the pieces in it.
DeleteDo not be under the influence of recreational drugs when entering. It looks fantastic and is on my non existent bucket list. That must be the sculpture River mentioned early last week. I don't know why I didn't know about it.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Some recreational drugs and this sculpture would be a very bad mix indeed. I agree with you - I think it is great and it is indeed the sculpture that River mentioned.
DeleteGoodness! What a fabulous sculpture this is!
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you took and shared these photographs ... simply amazing.
May you have a good week ahead.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I have just rescued you from spam, where blogger often puts you. I am so glad that most of you feel just as I do about this addition to our sculpture garden. I love it.
DeleteOh, wow! What an amazing sculpture. I love the name, the form, and the symbolism. It seems so appropriate that life, death, and rebirth should be rendered in a beautiful material that will outlive us all.
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: YES.
DeleteI bet that would be fantastic to see at night.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I am sure it is - and we will get there. Eventually.
DeleteA fascinating, incredible installation.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Isn't it?
DeleteWow, thank you for featuring it, It's something I wish I could see.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: I wish a lot of you could see it.
DeleteI have to admit is does look good and I imagine seeing it from the inside with light coming in through the holes must be nice. Breaking it down to less than one dollar per person helps too.
ReplyDeleteRiver: It does look good doesn't it - the light streaming through the holes and the green and the blue reflections were amazing. And yes, at less than a dollar per person I think it is good value.
DeleteInteresting sculpture EC. The photos of it are good.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Thank you.
DeleteI'm not against spending money on art but I have to admit I find it hard to understand how it's worth that much.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see it in the flesh. I'll have to put it on my list
kylie: I don't understand the pricing but we were told that the artist didn't get a fraction of the cost. I suspect it includes construction, the cost of transporting it, the cost of installing it - including the pond it stands on/in. I hope you can see it. I really like it.
DeleteI am surprised--- I like it! And I like your pictures.
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you. I am glad you like it too.
DeleteYour photos are outstanding! An incredible sculpture!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you.
DeleteIt draws people in, captivating on so many levels! Incredible!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: It is a lovely addition isn't it?
DeleteThank you for taking me into the sculpture. I am looking for ways to appreciate simply being alive.
ReplyDeleteDJan: As I know from your latest post you are finding ways to enjoy being alive. Hugs.
DeleteI think much comfort and answers can be found in art and especially reflections. Back in my what I called home something similar in Chicago, but never made it back there to see during our visits. Seems so many perspectives hidden or seen. Think it had to be quite fun! Enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteCj: It IS fun and I am glad we went. I look forward to seeing/photographing it at night too.
DeleteI suffer a little from claustrophobia and wonder how I would do inside. the lights are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I am a tad claustrophobic too but the sculpture is tall enough that I didn't feel it. It could be different if it was very crowded but if it was I would simply wait to go in.
DeleteWhat a really interesting sculpture! You're right about the light, reflection and it just looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteGini and I hope your new week is filled with good things.
Wally Jones: Thank you. I hope your week is packed with the joy of the natural world.
Deleteooooo I would really like to experience that sculpture, looks absolutely fascinating. I looked up Lindy Lee via internet, she is of Chinese heritage, what an interesting person.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: It is fascinating - and I think beautiful. Lindy Lee does sound interesting doesn't she. I would love to see more of her work.
DeleteWhat an interesting sculpture! I would love to see that one in person. Hope all is well in your world- happy I am finally able to try and catch up with everyone.
ReplyDeleteColoring Outside the Lines: I wish that you (and a lot of other people) could see it in person. Lovely to see you here.
DeleteThis is a piece of modren art I would actually like to see. Mostly I find modern art a waste of money - recently we've had some very expensive stone slabs suddenly being put up and our bike path still not finished :( Eww.
ReplyDeleteWe need both bike paths, repairs and art - and I know that art is a matter of taste - I'll snap some of the stone slabs later on.
Charlotte (MotherOwl): I often don't like/understand modern art. This piece I do and I am very glad to see it. I hope your bike paths are finished soon and I look forward to seeing the stone slabs.
DeleteI love art in all its forms so I am sure that I would have loved this snake. Awesome!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I am a big fan of public art too. There is a lot of it in my city. I don't like or understand all of it, but I am glad it is there.
DeleteWow...it's an artistic sculpture....
ReplyDeletethey must be have a great philosophy why their shape are so valuable. Thanks for your photos. Greetings
Mbul Kecil: Thank you.
DeleteI'm not a fan of snakes but this is actually pretty awesome! Not the same for sure, but it reminds me in a few ways of Cloud Gate or "The Bean" in Chicago, Illinois. You can stand under that and the illusions are plentiful and fun. The rest of the structure reflects the sky, lights, buildings, people, grass, etc.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Captain Google tells me that I would have been reminded of Cloud Gate if I had known about it. Thank you.
DeleteHi EC,
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually a fan of such things but I like that sculpture.
:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I am glad. I often struggle with contemporay art but I liked it too.
DeleteWow!!!
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: We said that too. Often.
DeleteThat is quite a sculpture. From afar it looks like the Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago. Once we enlarge the picture bigger, it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: Cj alerted me to the similarity with Cloud Gate which I can totally see. And I would like to see Cloud Gate too.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning photos
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: An absolutely stunning sculpture.
DeleteWow! Impressive.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: It is.
DeleteThat is an amazing sculpture! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: I think it is amazing too - and am so pleased that so many of you also like it.
DeleteWow!! This is just what I needed. I would've stayed there for a lonnnng while. I'm fascinated with the play of light and dark. I take pics of them as soon as I spot them.
ReplyDeleteThe power of art to lift the spirits of the people must never be ignored. I was looking at a film on Apple tv about the work of Christian Dior, and one of the things I heard was just that...how art can lead people and help us. It made me so excited.
Thank you, Child :-)
neena maiya (guyana gyal): I agree. We need art and I am so grateful my city has a lot of it. And yes, we spent quite a while there and will go back.
DeleteEste tipo de esculturas no son santos de mi devoción, aunque no es lo mismo verlo a través de tus excelentes fotografías que verlo in situ; quizás a lo mejor cambiaría de opinión.
ReplyDeleteAunque lo importante es que os guste a ustedes a los que os vais a topar con ella en el día a día, durante 500 años, jeje.
Un fuerte abrazo, amiga Sue.
Manuel: Perhaps you would change your mind - and perhaps not. Thanks for your visit and your compliment.
Delete