National Gallery Unveils Australia's Most Expensive Artwork

The National Gallery of Australia has unveiled 'Ouroboros', a $14 million sculpture by Chinese-Australian artist Lindy Lee, marking it as the gallery's most expensive artwork to date. The 13-tonne, 4.2-metre-high installation, constructed from recycled scrap metal, symbolizes themes of birth, death, and renewal, reflecting both Chinese culture and local First Nations knowledge. Visitors can experience the sculpture both by day, when it reflects its surroundings, and by night, when it is illuminated from within, creating a captivating visual. The work faced initial criticism for its cost and design but has since been praised for its impact and beauty, embodying a significant addition to Australia's public art landscape. Lee emphasized that the art is meant to foster curiosity and connection among viewers, moving beyond her original vision. The NGA has also launched a retrospective of Lee's work to coincide with this monumental unveiling.