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.

Don’t miss lantern artist Guo Jian in conversation with Chinese New Year Festival Curator, Claudia Chan Shaw, at Surry Hills Library on 2 February.

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 will feature as the backdrop to our fantastic Lunar Lantern community performance groups, every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the festival.

Explore the 12 Lunar Lanterns at Circular Quay during the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.

The Rat lantern facts:

Guo Jian’s rats tower 6 metres high.
The Rats are inspired by Guo Jian’s experience of moving to Australia and being embraced by the Sydney LGBTIQ communities.
The Chinese characters symbolise ‘love’ and create a bridge between China and Sydney.
2,400 hours to build by a team of 10.
500 metres of fabric used to cover approximately 2 tonnes of steel frame.

The Lunar Lanterns will be illuminated from dusk each day, however they can be viewed in daylight.