UAP co-founder Daniel Tobin, City of Sydney architect and design director Bridget Smyth, artist Lindy Lee, art advisor, curator and writer Viola Raikhel and UAP co-founder Matthew Tobin. Photography by Jay Patel. Over the course of five days and nights, Lindy Lee, one of Australia’s pre-eminent contemporary artists, accompanied her latest commission from Brisbane to Canberra. “Ouroboros”, a 13-tonne sculpture made from perforated, mirror-polished stainless steel shaped to represent a snake consuming its own tail — a symbol of the never-ending cycle of life, death and renewal — made its way from the Urban Art Projects (UAP) foundry in Brisbane on the back of a truck with police escort, crossing state borders with Lee driving in convoy the entire way.
Commissioned to celebrate the National Gallery of Australia’s 40th anniversary, the $14 million masterpiece is an impressive feat of engineering, taking 200 skilled artisans at UAP more than 60,000 hours to complete. Fresh from overseeing the installation, Lee and UAP’s founders, brothers Daniel and Matthew Tobin, toasted their latest triumph with a cocktail by event partner Woodford Reserve overlooking Sydney Harbour for the latest T Suite, titled “Let’s Talk Art, Publicly”.
The event included a panel discussion featuring City of Sydney architect and design director Bridget Smyth, who oversees public art projects in the city. Smyth has long collaborated with Lee, so the discussion had the feel of a reunion. The candid and lively conversation delved into the intricate process of creating and transporting “Ouroboros”, the origins of Lee’s collaboration with UAP and the significance of public art in urban spaces, and its ability to unify and transform.
UAP (profiled in T Australia’s June 2024 issue) has emerged as a leading force in the world of public art and bespoke architectural design. What was once a modest Brisbane-based foundry has grown into a global powerhouse with a huge workshop headquarters in upstate New York and outposts around the world, including in Shanghai and Sydney. UAP has earned a reputation for ambitious, large-scale art projects that blend bold artistic vision with cutting-edge engineering and craftsmanship.
The company’s growth is marked by its strategic expansions, diverse mix of clients and genuine friendships with artists. Throughout their journey, the Tobins have remained humble and dedicated to this collaborative spirit, supporting creatives and their process.
Smyth shared insights into how public art enhances urban landscapes, sparking dialogue and inspiring a sense of wonder among those who encounter the creations.
“Ouroboros” will be officially unveiled at the Art Gallery of Australia on October 25.
