National Gallery of Australia Sculpture
Ouroboros

As a beacon for the National Gallery and to activate the southern side of the site, the Ouroboros sculpture was proposed for a prominent location on King Edward Terrace. This location, within the National Triangle and on Designated Land, required GML to consult with the National Capital Authority (NCA) and to assess the proposed work for compliance with the NCA’s National Capital Plan as well as against the Gallery’s heritage obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Given our experience working within this legislative framework and with the National Gallery, GML was able to provide practical recommendations that enabled the National Gallery to meet its ambitions for the project and the high standards of the approval bodies.

Standing approximately four metres high and weighing 13 tonnes, the Ouroboros installation captivates with its polished mirrored surface by day and glows at night, illuminated by light from hundreds of perforations that also reflect off the surrounding pond.⁠

Ouroboros is a striking addition to the National Gallery’s sculpture garden, enhancing the heritage significance of the National Triangle.
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Hero image: Lindy Lee, Ouroboros, 2021-24 installation view, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, 2024, commissioned for the National Gallery’s 40th anniversary, 2022 © Lindy Lee.