Twelve giant lanterns representing the Chinese zodiac take over the city centre, Circular Quay and Haymarket for the Sydney Lunar Festival – here’s a sneak preview
Spectacular stars of the Sydney Lunar Festival, 12 huge lantern sculptures will be set up around town from February 12 to 21, 2021, where they will shine with optimism in celebration of the coming year.
Commissioned by the City of Sydney to many different artists and designers, the Lunar Lanterns represent the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and are a creative interpretation of a centuries-old tradition. A walk to go see the lanterns is a great way to experience Sydney’s summer night; you can find a self-guided Lunar Lanterns walk on the City of Sydney’s Culture Walks app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store and the Google Play Store.
In 2021, the festival celebrates the Year of the Ox. There are over 80 events in the festival program from February 12-21 including Lunar Spectacular Shows, The Rocks Lunar Markets, Lunar New Year at Chinese Garden of Friendship, Oxapalooza Festival at World Square and much more.
Here’s Time Out’s guide to the 12 lanterns, what they represent and where to find them. The lanterns are lit up from dusk daily but are also fun to visit in the daylight.
Guests are reminded to follow the latest NSW Health advice regarding social distancing, hygiene and staying home if unwell.
Where: Under Cahill Expressway, Circular Quay
Designer: Amigo and Amigo
Private, wise and intuitive, the enigmatic Snake has no qualms about outing itself first
Amigo and Amigo, co-founded by Simone Chua and Renzo B Larriviere, is a Sydney-based studio that explores the combination of light and sculpture in public spaces. Their golden Snake is inspired by traditional Chinese kite-making.
You’re a wise Snake if you’re born in: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 or 1953.
Where: Alfred & Loftus Sts, Circular Quay
Designer: Min-Woo Bang
Adaptable, loyal and courageous, the always-active Horse stands tall in the crowd
Born in Seoul, Australian landscape painter Min-Woo Bang came to Australia in 1990. Bang’s Horse lanterns are decorated with Korean flowers and patterns and make reference to traditional totem poles that identify village boundaries and serve as protective guardians.
You’re a courageous Horse if you’re born in: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966 or 1954.
Where: Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay
Designer: Qian Jian Hua
Honourable, philanthropic and optimistic, the Pig can be incredibly focused and achieve great things
Qian Jian Hua was born in Nanjing and came to Australia in 1991 as a visiting scholar. He now lives and works in Sydney. Reflecting his personal experience looking after pigs at a countryside farm during the Cultural Revolution, the artist’s porcine creation is a deconstructed three-dimensional grid.
You’re an honourable Pig if you’re born in: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971 or 1959.
Where: First Fleet Park, The Rocks
Designer: Kevin Bathman
Enthusiastic, courageous and ambitious, the Tiger is a born leader
Malaysian-born Kevin Bathman is an artist and graphic designer who has worked in Sydney, Auckland and Kuala Lumpur. His tiger represents earthly power and protection over human life. The sign on this tiger’s forehead spells ‘king’.
You’re an ambitious Tiger if you’re born in: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 or 1950.
Where: Cnr Alfred & Pitt Sts, Circular Quay
Designer: Nancy Liang & Fiona Lu
Trustworthy, empathetic and friendly, the Rabbit is sociable, relishing the company of others
Both Australian born, Liang and Lu explore icons of childhood nostalgia. Inspired by the popular ‘White Rabbit’ candy and the art of Chinese paper-folding, the 5m tall Rabbit Lantern is reminiscent of sweet childhood memories, fun and play, indulgence and treats.
You’re a friendly Rabbit if you’re born in: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 or 1951.
Where: Barrack St, Wynyard
Designer: Fan Dongwang
Loyal, smart and sociable, Dogs are a friend to many
Fan Dongwang studied traditional Chinese art in Shanghai in the 1970s and migrated to Australia in 1990. His large fibreglass dogs feature red and blue to represent the opposite qualities of yin and yang.
You’re a loyal Dog if you’re born in: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970 or 1958.
Where: Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
Designer: Pamela Mei-Leng See
Tasteful, warm and intuitive, the Sheep lives a quiet life of creativity and compassion
Pamela Mei-Leng See was born in Brisbane to Chinese Malaysian parents. Her sheep is a nod to the Philip K Dick sci-fi novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (aka Blade Runner), and takes inspiration from the ancient art of applying paper-cut designs to lanterns.
You’re a compassionate Sheep if you’re born in: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 or 1955.
Where: Sydney Square, 483 George St, Sydney
Designer: Claudia Chan Shaw
Intelligent, adaptable and social, the quick-witted Rat cannot let an opportunity to prosper pass by
Claudia Chan Shaw is an artist, author, fashion designer, photographer, curator, broadcaster and lecturer. In Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of wealth, and depicting them as wind-up toys is the artist’s way of suggesting the Rat’s busy, inquisitive, industrious nature.
You’re a prosperous Rat if you’re born in: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972 or 1960.
Where: Cnr Campbell & George Sts, Sydney
Designer: Valerie Khoo
Honest, energetic and intelligent, the flamboyant Rooster is confident and is not afraid of hard work
Valerie Khoo is a writer and artist based in Sydney and also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre. Her Rooster lantern has hundreds of egg-shaped glowing lights draped on a metal frame, symbolising the many parts of Sydney’s thriving communities that together create a beautiful, powerful force.
You’re a flamboyant Rooster if you’re born in: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 or 1957.
Where: Cnr Ultimo Rd & Thomas St, Haymarket
Designer: Louise Zhang
Quick-witted, charming and lucky, the adaptable Monkey livens up any occasion
Louise Zhang is a Chinese-Australian artist whose practice spans painting, sculpture and installation. Her fascination with collectable toys inspired this work, in which playful monkeys balance on top of each other and juggle small glowing peaches, with a large golden peach at the top – the peach representing long life.
You’re a charming Monkey if you were born in: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968 or 1956.
Where: Dixon St, Haymarket
Designer: Chrissy Lau
Loyal, reliable and strong, the determined Ox is always diligent
A Chinese artist based in Sydney, Chrissy Lau designed her Ox to be like a waving cat in reference to the upbringing of Asian-Australian children who grew up in their parents’ restaurants and businesses.
You’re a reliable Ox if you’re born in 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973 or 1961.
Where: Dixon St, Haymarket
Designer: Alexandra Sommer and Brad Clark
The charismatic Dragon is as generous as it is powerful
Graduates of NIDA, Sommer and Clark are theatrical designers who have worked on the Lunar Lanterns exhibition since 2016.Their Tomorrow Dragon is designed as a symbol of hope and optimism: blending yellow, orange and pink to signify a harmonious balance of energy, whilst the iconic dragon’s pearl takes on a new form as a globe, placing the ‘world in his hands’.
You’re a powerful Dragon if you’re born in: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 or 1952.
Head to Haymarket and Darling Harbour to celebrate the Year of the Ox with a Lunar Feast
