Brisbane artist Lindy Lee to design cosmic bronze sculpture for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

She stunned the art world when the National Gallery of Australia commissioned a sculpture worth $14 million and now Brisbane born artist Lindy Lee is to create a signature art work for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in a multimillion dollar commission.

Lindy lee is the hottest artist in Australia right now and the homegrown Brisbane artist will create the signature masterpiece to be showcased as part of the transformational $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development.

The Australian painter and sculptor of Chinese heritage, who’s recent $14 million commission from the National Gallery of Australia is the most expensive work to be acquired by the gallery, will now craft a unique, eight metre, 8000kg bronze sculpture for the George Street Atrium entrance to the Queens Wharf Brisbane precinct.

The work, Being Swallowed by the Milky Way, is anticipated to be a stunning oblong sculpture that will feature thousands of tiny holes puncturing its bronze surface. It is expected to be finished and in place by mid 2023.

At night it will appear as a shimmering, light-filled galaxy of silver and gold stars.

Lindy Lee’s multimillion-dollar sculpture Being Swallowed by the Milky Way will greet you at the George Street Atrium entrance to the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

The Brisbane commission is valued at seven figures and rumoured to cost several million dollars – much less than the Canberra work – but the artist says that “on a personal level, this is the most significant commission I’ve ever been awarded”.

“When I left Brisbane in the late 70s to get an art education there was not a lot of cultural inspiration,” Lee says.

“Now I feel I have come full circle, returning as an established artist to a dynamic, culturally advanced city.

“I am currently working on some prestigious overseas commissions, but the sculpture I have designed for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is an important project to me. It will be a joy. I am so proud to be included in this unique, creative project that will be such a sophisticated addition to my hometown.”

Lindy Lee’s work is the first artwork to be revealed by The Star Entertainment Group as part of its multimillion-dollar public art procurement program.

Artist Lindy Lee. Picture: Saul Steed

More artists will be revealed in coming months.

Highly regarded art figure Philip Bacon led The Specialist Artistic Advisory panel alongside art curator and director of the Institute of Modern Art, Liz Nowell.

They, along with respected Indigenous artist and administrator Avril Quaill, are curating the standout collection of artworks.

“Securing a major Lindy Lee sculpture is a coup for the city,” Philip Bacon says.

“Lindy’s distinctive works are already found in many of the world’s greatest cities, and it is fitting that Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will be home to one of her largest and most elegant creations. It will truly be a must-visit attraction in its own right.”

The panel has also identified other works created by highly talented and respected local and international contemporary artists, which collectively will create an art-filled precinct that will be exciting, sophisticated and unique in Australia.

The art will be featured across the 7.5ha of public space within the entertainment and tourism precinct, including waterfront areas by the Brisbane River.

The Star Entertainment Group’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Bekier, said Monday’s announcement marked a defining moment in Queensland’s largest urban development.

Lindy Lee Queen's Wharf Brisbane artwork is expected to be a beacon on George Street. Picture: Supplied

“We and our partners are thrilled to have commissioned Lindy Lee to create the signature art piece and we look forward to revealing the other talent the advisory panel has identified,” Bekier says.

“These artworks will be showcased to millions of people, who will visit this precinct for years to come, including for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have bold plans for art and culture to be a visitation driver for the precinct with sculptures, paintings, visual and performing arts and potentially galleries and exhibitions delivering a unique and exciting offering.”

The Queen’s Wharf Development is being delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture between parent company, The Star Entertainment Group, and its two partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium.

Lindy Lee is collaborating with Urban Art Projects, also based in Brisbane, to bring her eight tonne creation to life.

The artwork will be in place for the development’s planned staged opening from early to mid 2023.