Home #WHERETONEXT Australia & New Zealand Explore cultural Canberra this spring with the launch of Ouroboros by Lindy...

Explore cultural Canberra this spring with the launch of Ouroboros by Lindy Lee

Lindy Lee with Ouroboros, 2024, courtesy Karleen Minney and ACM.

Kick off the cultural adventure at The Canberra Art Biennial, an inspiring public art festival on display around Canberra until 26 October. Boasting a range of thought provoking exhibitions, interactive installations and captivating performances, each of the artworks and installations feature a connection to Canberra’s history and showcase the unique layers of Canberra through art. Discover artworks in and around Canberra’s galleries, creative spaces and attractions as well as in the great outdoors along Constitution Place and London Circuit.

In celebration of the National Gallery of Australia’s 40th anniversary, the immersive public sculpture Ouroboros by Lindy Lee launches on 25 October alongside a retrospective of her work that showcases artistic highlights from her colourful career.

Taking pride of place at the entrance to the Gallery, Ouroboros is a symbol of birth, death and renewal and is based on the ancient image of a snake eating its own tail. Measuring an imposing four metres high, guests are invited to enter the ‘mouth’ of the sculpturally magnificent artwork, exploring the curved space in order to experience the darkness that is illuminated by light beams emanating from the hundreds of perforations on its surface.

For a visually spectacular cultural experience, witness 2000 shimmering candles at the 20th annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival which celebrates Canberra’s Sister City of Nara, Japan. Taking place from 4pm on 26 October at the Canberra Nara Peace Park and Lennox Gardens, soak up the magic of the flickering candles accompanied by the sounds of Japanese music and enjoy a range of Japanese inspired cultural activities including calligraphy, origami, ikebana and lantern making.

Offering the only opportunity to view the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize outside of South Australia, this visiting exhibition is on display at The National Archives of Australia until 10 November 2024. Be inspired by the beauty of the nature-themed artworks and join the daily talk at 11am for a deeper understanding of this compelling exhibition of art and science as seen through the eyes of local and international artists.

And exclusive to the National Portrait Gallery, Carol Jerrems: Portraits launches on 30 November with a major exhibition of one of Australia’s most influential photographers. Set against the backdrop of the 1970’s, this exhibition features intimate portraits of Carol’s friends, lovers and fellow artists while showcasing the youth subcultures and art and music scenes of the time.