12 Lunar Lanterns by Erika Zhu
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Catch a glimpse of our 12 beautiful lanterns as they lead you through Haymarket and up George Street. These 12 animals, each standing at an impressive 4 metres tall, are infused with a playful charm that beckons joy and character.
Designed with a simple and blobby aesthetic, each lantern lends an endearing naivety that appeals to the inner child within us all. The soft rounded outlines evoke a friendly and welcoming vibe, a gesture of open arms to the Asian Australian community in a moment of celebration for the Lunar New Year.
Under each lantern is a supporting plinth, intricately designed with unique floral patterns that blends contemporary design and timeless Chinese tapestries. Each pattern is designed to represent a meaning particular to the given Zodiac animal.
Altogether, both the lanterns and plinths feature scarlet red, a symbol of luck in Chinese culture, emerald green, a nod to the revered Jade mineral. This is combined with other contemporary colours to create a visual symphony resonating with the spirit of fun and positivity.
Come to Haymarket during the Sydney Lunar Festival and be enchanted by whimsical lanterns, each a radiant beacon of celebration. With joyful expressions and imaginative shapes, they warmly invite everyone to join the festivities and embrace the new year.
Where to find them:
Rat: Outside Barlow Community Forrest, corner of George Street and Barlow Street, Haymarket
OX: Outside Barlow Community Forrest, corner of George Street and Barlow Street, Haymarket
Tiger: Outside Barlow Community Forrest, corner of George Street and Barlow Street, Haymarket
Rabbit: Outside Barlow Community Forrest, corner of George Street and Barlow Street, Haymarket
Dragon: Outside St George Bank, 82 Ultimo Road, Haymarket
Snake: Outside St George Bank, 82 Ultimo Road, Haymarket
Horse: Outside Commonwealth Bank, Haymarket Branch, 691-693 George Street
Ram: Outside Citymark, 683-689 George Street, Haymarket
Monkey: Outside Westpac, 740 George Street, Haymarket
Rooster: Outside Westpac, 740 George Street, Haymarket
Dog: Outside Palace Hotel, 742 George Street, Haymarket
Pig: Outside Central Baptist Church, 619 George Street
About the artist
Erika, a Sydney-based 3D artist, draws inspiration from her diverse upbringing in Hong Kong and Japan before settling in Australia. Her childhood was a blend of unique experiences, from playing SuperMario64 with her aunt to triumphing in Beyblade competitions during her primary school years.
Early passions for computer puzzle games and animated sitcoms shaped Erika's imaginative spirit, laying the foundation for her eventual journey into animation. Despite holding a law degree and receiving classical piano training, Erika chose to follow her creative instincts, immersing herself in the world of animation and illustration.
In her current work, Erika infuses playfulness, silliness, and naivety, evident in her vibrant use of colours, character design, and storylines. This artistic approach serves as a nostalgic homage to her childhood, a time she cherishes and seeks to relive through her creations. Her latest work, ‘Al Nafs’ placed first in a creative collaboration project with Genesis Motors Australia. To explore this and more of her portfolio, visit erikazhu.com.