Lunar Lantern: The Rat

The Rat lantern is inspired by Guo Jian’s experience of moving to Australia and being embraced and supported by the Sydney LGBTIQ communities.

At first glance, the Rat is light, fun and visually entertaining. Look closer and you’ll see the Chinese character for ‘love’ creating a bridge between China and Sydney.

About the artist

Guo Jian first arrived in Sydney in 1992. His provocative work has been exhibited and collected in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, the US, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China.

The zodiac symbol of The Rat can be characterised as intelligent, adaptable and social. The quick-witted Rat cannot let an opportunity to prosper pass them by.

The Rat lantern facts:

• Guo Jian’s rats tower 6 metres high.
• It took a team of 10 people 2,400 hours to build.
• 500 metres of fabric used to cover approximately 2 tonnes of steel frame.

Explore the 13 Lunar Lanterns at Circular Quay during the Sydney Lunar Festival.

The Lunar Lanterns will be lit from dusk each evening, but are just as impressive by day.