Dragons in the Chinese horoscope are traditionally associated with divinity, power and the ability to control weather. In contrast the Western dragons have wings and are fire breathing. They rise instead through cloud and mist, benevolent and fluid, appearing on the robes of emperors as symbols of harmony, protection, and peace.
The artwork utilises a double skin of gold‑anodized, perforated aluminium creates a shimmering moiré, a surface that seems to breathe, ripple, and shift with the light. By day, the metal holds a warm, sunlit presence; by night, it becomes more reflective, catching the glow of LEDs that pulse through its form like energy moving through the dragon’s body. Conceived specifically for this site, we wanted the dragon to appear to be emerging from the reflection pool on the lower level of the Concourse, rising from water, ascending toward the clouds, thus creating a connection between the elements of water and sky.
Artist: Ruth McDermott and Ben Baxter
Date: 2024
Medium: LED light, gold anodized perforated aluminium, cord and light control.
Dimension: 6.5m tall
Art Commission: Willoughby Council
Image credit: Rudrakhya Midya
