In an event that marks a significant cultural milestone, internationally acclaimed artist Lindy Lee has unveiled her monumental sculpture, “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way,” at the highly anticipated Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct. This extraordinary work of art, standing at eight meters tall and weighing eight tons, symbolises Brisbane’s ascension as a global cultural destination.
A Starry Vision Brought to Life
At the George Street entrance of The Star Brisbane, Lee’s masterpiece is a stunning oblong sculpture that captivates with 25,000 meticulously crafted holes. These perforations transform the bronze surface into a dazzling galaxy of silver and gold stars, embodying the artist’s deep connection to the cosmos and her Chinese heritage.
Lee, who has garnered international acclaim for her work, expressed her profound joy at contributing to the artistic legacy of her birthplace. “In my early childhood, growing up in Kangaroo Point and Morningside, I was fascinated by the magic of starlight,” she recalled during the unveiling. “I loved looking at the night sky, to be deeply immersed in the mystery of that, and somehow that feeling imbues all my work.”
This emotional and spiritual connection to Brisbane is deeply ingrained in the sculpture’s creation. “It’s so fitting that ‘Being Swallowed by the Milky Way’ is being installed in my birth city; emotionally and spiritually that is very important to me,” Lee shared. “I feel extremely proud to be part of Brisbane’s growth as a city.”
A Testament to Brisbane’s Cultural Evolution
The unveiling of this sculpture is a part of the more significant transformation of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, a $3.6 billion project set to revolutionize Brisbane’s cityscape. The Star Brisbane’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Finch, hailed the artwork as a beacon for the city’s cultural future. “We are thrilled to be unveiling Lindy Lee’s masterpiece as we count down to the staged opening of The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf,” Finch stated. “It will be a must-visit attraction in its own right.”
Finch emphasized that the artwork would draw attention to its beauty and elevate Brisbane’s status as a vibrant cultural playground, especially as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “All of the artworks will be showcased to millions of people, who will visit us for years to come, including for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Finch added. “It will complement the South Bank precinct, a short walk across the Neville Bonner Bridge, helping to further position Brisbane, not just as an Olympic city, but as a vibrant cultural playground.”
Artistic Legacy and Global Recognition
Lindy Lee’s “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way” is not just another public art installation; it is a significant addition to the global art landscape, following her recent $14 million commission, “Ouroboros,” for the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). The journey of “Ouroboros” from Brisbane to Canberra involved an almost week-long transport effort, including road closures and police escorts, underscoring her work’s monumental scale and importance. “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way is a sculpture I’ve had in my mind for over a decade, even before ‘Ouroboros’ for the NGA,” Lee reflected. “It’s quite wonderful that these two preeminent works will be unveiled within months of each other.”
Lee, who recently turned 70, views these works as the culmination of a lifetime’s experience and creativity. “It feels like these works are a culmination of a lifetime’s experience, and so they have become part of the cultural legacy I am leaving for Australia,” she said, her voice filled with pride and fulfilment.
Curating Brisbane’s Artistic Future
The selection of Lee’s work for Queen’s Wharf is part of a broader effort to curate an extraordinary collection of artworks for the precinct featuring local, First Nations, and international artists. Esteemed art dealer and curator Philip Bacon AO led the Artistic Advisory panel responsible for this selection. Bacon has long championed Australian art globally and described Lee as “arguably Australia’s greatest sculptor.”
“To have such a major and exquisite sculpture in a prominent place, viewable day and night by the public, is a coup for any city,” Bacon commented. “We are fortunate that it’s here in Brisbane.”
Bacon also noted the significance of Lee’s work in shaping public perception of art in Brisbane. “In the same way, The Star’s commission of ‘Being Swallowed by the Milky Way’ will change how the people of Brisbane view public art in our cityscape. It is in another realm by way of scale, beauty, and technique.”
A Bright Future for Brisbane
As Brisbane continues evolving into a world-class city, unveiling “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way” represents more than just a new piece of public art; it signifies a cultural renaissance. The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project, delivered by the Destination Brisbane Consortium—a joint venture led by The Star Entertainment Group and its Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium—is set to redefine the city’s identity.
The sculpture was meticulously crafted at Urban Art Projects (UAP) in Brisbane, showcasing the city’s ability to produce world-class art on its soil. As this dazzling artwork becomes a focal point of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, it will draw art lovers, tourists, and locals alike, cementing Brisbane’s place on the global cultural map.
Written by: Karuna Johnson
