Major Commission From Renowned Artist Lindy Lee Unveiled by Woollahra Council

By LAUREN FROST

Australia’s leading artist, Lindy Lee’s major new work, One Bright Pearl, has been unveiled by Woollahra Council.

Set in the lovely Blackburn Gardens at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, the new work symbolises the diversity of the surrounding community. The whopping 260kg sculpture is constructed of mirror-polished stainless steel as a reflection on new beginnings and modern migration.

Woollahra Council’s Public Art Panel selected Lindy Lee’s new work which is the most significant commission by the Council thus far. The panel is comprised of the Mayor of Woollahra Cr Susan Wynne, former Mayor Cr Toni Zeltzer, Director of Art Gallery New South Wales Michael Brand, Jillian Broadbent AC, David Gonski AC, and Scott Perkins all under the guidance of curator Holly Williams.

“We are thrilled to be adding Lindy Lee’s striking sculpture ‘One Bright Pearl’ to our public art collection,” Cr Susan Wynne, Mayor of Woollahra, said.

“With so many people visiting Woollahra Gallery, Murray Rose Pool and Blackburn Gardens, we hope this sculpture will be enjoyed by all. We are so grateful to our Principal Donor, The Carla Zampatti Foundation and all the artwork commission donors who have helped fund the work and who share our commitment to enhancing our public spaces through art.”

Exploring Diversity

Through the lens of Taoism, Ch’an (Zen), and Buddhism, Lindy Lee’s practice explores her Australian and Chinese heritage, and the idea that nature and humanity are inextricably connected.

“One Bright Pearl is inspired by the ancient Chinese story of the Dragon’s Ball, which is a symbol of universal wholeness, well-being, wisdom and spiritual power,” Lee said.

The sculpture’s mirror-polished surface makes the piece ever changing depending on the light conditions.

“During the day, the sculpture’s surface, with its mirror brightness, absorbs and reflects the fleeting and ever-changing pageantry of the surrounding world: the movements of people, sky, landscape, birds etc.,” Lee commented.

“At night, the work will be internally lit to allow light to flow back out into the world. The sculpture’s different changing daytime and night-time qualities embodies the cyclical nature of time.”

Lindy Lee has been exhibited widely in Australia and all over the world. Her work, One Bright Pearl, is an inspiring and meaningful addition to Woollahra Gallery.