Gold in Abundance
Pallion unveils Lindy Lee’s pure gold sculpture in Sydney ahead of its long-term loan to the National Gallery of Australia.
Photography by Fortem Media
19 August 2024
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Abundance, the pure gold sculpture by Australian artist Lindy Lee in collaboration with the artisans of Pallion, was unveiled during a private ceremony last week.
The occasion was attended by Lee, Director of the National Gallery Dr Nick Mitzevich and Minister for the Arts Tony Burke, alongside Pallion representatives and other key figures in the precious metals and arts industries.
Presided over by Pallion’s Head of Philanthropy, Clare Deloughery, the ceremony at Pallion’s Marrickville headquarters featured addresses from Lee, Dr Mitzevich and Minister Burke.
Among the attendees was Australian artist Troy Emery, announced as one of the next artists to collaborate with the Pallion Arts Program. First Nations artist Gaypalani Wanambi from Yirrkala in far east Arnhem Land was also revealed as a collaborating artist.
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Darren May, General Manager of W.J. Sanders, took to the stage to discuss the creation of Abundance and the endangered metalsmithing skills used by the workshop to bring Lee’s vision to life. He highlighted the roles of artisans from Pallion’s businesses – ABC Refinery, ABC Bullion, Palloys and W.J. Sanders – involved in refining, casting, constructing and finishing the artwork.
Abundance will be on long-term loan to the National Gallery from Lee and the Pallion Art Collection. The piece will go on public display from late October to coincide with the opening of the exhibition Lindy Lee and unveiling of the major public sculpture Ouroboros in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden.
Ouroboros is based on the ancient image of a snake eating its own tail – an image seen across cultures and millennia, symbolising eternal return, cycles of birth, death and renewal.
Enabled through Pallion and Lee’s partnership, Abundance is a gold companion creation to Ouroboros. Measuring approximately 45cm wide and crafted collaboratively by Lee and the Pallion artisans from more than 50 kilograms of pure ABC Bullion gold, Abundance is valued at over AUD$10 million, bringing together two of Australia’s most important industries – precious metals and the arts.
Lee shared her thoughts on Abundance and its materiality upon completion saying, “Gold is one of the earth’s most precious and valued metals. It has come to symbolise what is purest, most noble and enduring in human existence. It also speaks of abundance, whereby there is no lack but rather repletion and fullness.
“Abundance is the very opposite of desire, which is motivated by a sense of lack and neediness. However, if there is abundance, we can nurture generosity and learn to share with joy all the gifts that life offers us. The golden ouroboros, entitled Abundance, was created with generosity as the guiding principle,” she added.
With a practice spanning more than four decades, Meanjin/Brisbane-born Lee uses her work to explore her Chinese ancestry through Taoism and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism – philosophies that see humanity and nature as inextricably linked.
Andrew Cochineas, CEO of Pallion, shared the company’s vision for the future of the Pallion Arts Program commented, “It is our desire through the Pallion Arts Program to encourage artists to use precious metals in their art and provide for its display.
“This is particularly important in circumstances where the opportunity for artists to work in precious metals is limited because of its very high intrinsic value. The Pallion Art Collection is a democratic collection for all Australians to enjoy.”
Reflecting Pallion’s core principles, Abundance exemplifies sustainability, with measures having been taken to minimise its carbon footprint.
The sculpture incorporates Australian-sourced gold from Mount Rawdon in Queensland and employs acid-free refining practices. Furthermore, the piece embodies the renewal of Mount Rawdon and the future of Australian mining, as the Mount Rawdon gold operation transitions to a sustainable hydro power station after the mine’s production ends in late 2024.
Dr Mitzevich spoke about the collaboration between Pallion and Lee stating, “The partnership between Pallion and Lindy Lee has enabled the development of a gold companion creation to the Ouroboros.
“We’re thrilled Pallion has chosen to lend Abundance to the National Gallery so it can be enjoyed by all Australians. It will go on display alongside our forthcoming Lindy Lee exhibition. We’re grateful for the generous support of our partner Pallion, which has enabled a further opportunity for Lee to demonstrate her artistic excellence.”
Abundance will go on public display at the National Gallery alongside the Lindy Lee exhibition, which opens on 25 October.
Opportunities to tour the gold companion creation are being explored in partnership with the National Gallery as part of Art Across Australia that aims to reach communities across the country, including those in gold-mining areas.
As part of the collaboration between Pallion and Lee, jewellery maker Palloys (a Pallion subsidiary) has crafted the Xiaolong collection of gold and jade jewellery inspired by and launched alongside Abundance. Representing the deep connection Lee shares with this stone and precious metal duo, the collection – comprising a ring, earrings, pendant and cuff bangle – is available in a limited edition quantity and attainable through the National Gallery Art Store from 25 October.
Expressions of interest in the jewellery can be registered here or with Lindy Lee’s gallerist, Sullivan + Strumpf. Proceeds from the sale of the collection will support cultural programming at the National Gallery.
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