Sculpture lights up Queen’s Wharf ahead of phased opening

To outshine The Star itself at Brisbane’s multibillion-dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct would take celestial ambition, but sculptor Lindy Lee wasn’t shooting for subtlety when she designed her latest public art installation.

The bronze oblong – aptly titled Being Swallowed by the Milky Way – stands at a monolithic eight metres and weighs eight tonnes, the equivalent of four sedans.

Sculptor Lindy Lee says “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way” was conceived when she was a child 67 years ago.Credit: Courtney Kruk

Its metal surface, perforated by 25,000 holes, mimics a shimmering light-filled galaxy of stars, casting an ethereal glow over the George Street foyer entrance to the entertainment precinct.

“It’s been a work in progress for 67 years,” Lee said at the unveiling on Tuesday night.

“The idea for this sculpture was born when I was three years old, lying on my stomach on the verandah of our old Queenslander house looking at the stars at night.”

Lee, who grew up in Kangaroo Point and Morningside, left Brisbane in the 1970s in search of richer cultural experiences to inform her practice.

“Those of us who are old enough to remember ... we had to escape Queensland to get some culture,” she said, adding that the Brisbane she returns to today is much more open and inclusive.

“It’s a complete full-circle moment [for me].”

Respected art figure Philip Bacon described Lee as one of Australia’s greatest sculptors, and he praised the prominence of her work at Queen’s Wharf.

“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,” he said. “We are fortunate that it’s here in Brisbane.

“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.”

Star Brisbane chief executive Daniel Finch echoed Bacon’s assertion that the piece will elevate Brisbane’s cultural standing.

“We are thrilled to be unveiling the Lindy Lee masterpiece as we count down to the staged opening of The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf,” Finch said.

“It will be a must-visit attraction in its own right.”

Lindy Lee said the idea for the sculpture was inspired by her childhood in Brisbane. Credit: Courtney Kruk

Lee’s sculpture was unveiled just over a week before the August 29 opening of part of the Queen’s Wharf precinct.

The staggered opening will continue throughout the year and will include public spaces such as the Neville Bonner Bridge, Miller Park and Sky Deck, plus a number of bars and restaurants.

The Star Grand hotel, event centre and terrace dining are also expected to open throughout the first phase.

“Fittingly, public spaces will also be among the first areas to be opened,” Finch said.

“We are thrilled to be commencing our phased opening to coincide with Brisbane’s biggest party, Brisbane Festival.”

Revellers should not get too excited though, as the Sky Deck – sure to become one of the city’s most sought-after Riverfire viewing spaces – will not be open to the public for this year’s event on August 31.