Brisbane Quarter is celebrating the Lunar New Year and the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at QAGOMA with its exclusive art installation from Japanese-Australian artist Elysha Rei.

Spiralling between levels down to Podium 1 of Brisbane Quarter, the striking 静寂 (Seijaku): Serenity art installation is a 25m-long, hand-cut, paper Australian tree snake embodying the Wood Snake Lunar New Year. The zodiac motif for wisdom, charm and creativity, Elysha’s shimmering-gold snake captured in repose reflects transformation, inviting visitors to shed their skins and embrace the year ahead.

A renowned Brisbane-based artist, Elysha’s practice explores narratives of cultural identity, history and environmental elements through papercutting and public art. Delicate and detailed, created from a single sheet of paper, 静寂 (Seijaku): Serenity is Elysha’s largest work to date.

“’Seijaku’, a Japanese phrase meaning serenity or stillness, evokes the tranquil beauty of the snake at rest, embodying transformation in stillness, inviting the viewer to take a moment to contemplate the year ahead,” she says.

“Hand cut in gold-painted paper, the serpent’s form meanders towards the viewer, representing the renewal and transformation connected to the Lunar New Year horoscope of the snake.

“I hope this installation will invite viewers to embrace a moment of contemplation as they scale their eyes over the details of the serpent, thinking about the transformation of their year ahead.”

 静寂 (Seijaku): Serenity will be on display at Brisbane Quarter from January 24 to March 8 2025.

Extend your art appreciation adventure at Brisbane Quarter by dining on special dishes and beverages on offer or even staycationing at five-star hotel W Brisbane. Celebrate Lunar New Year with Cantonese Chinese cuisine at Brisbane Phoenix, sample Japanese sushi and sashimi at Tenya, tempt your tastebuds with Phat Boy’s flavoursome Thai and savour stunning riverside views with a handcrafted cocktail and dessert at Persone.