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.
