The latest piece of art for the Ballarat Empty Plinth Project was officially unveiled on Monday, with Jingwen (Jina) He's artwork titled 'Myriad of Lights 万家灯火' now standing proudly at the Ballarat Intercultural Garden.
The sculpture stems from the history of the Ballarat Chinese community and the enduring legacy of Chinese migration to the region, reflecting how miners and settlers experienced the gold rush and how people experience Ballarat today.
Inspired by the Southern Chinese Flower Lantern, the sculpture celebrates journeys, resilience and cultural contributions across generations.
The launch of 'Myriad of Lights 万家灯火' aligns with the Mid-Autumn Festival and the International Day of Peace, and highlights the role of arts and culture in bringing communities together.
Artist, Jingwen (Jina) He said it's incredibly exciting to see 'Myriad of Lights 万家灯火' finally take its place in the Ballarat Intercultural Garden.
"The work grew from conversations with Ballarat's Chinese community and from learning more about the history of Chinese migration to Ballarat during the gold rush," she said.
"I wanted to create something that acknowledges that history, while also speaking to ideas of belonging, resilience and the contributions migrant communities continue to make to the city.
"The sculpture draws on the southern Chinese tradition of decorative lanterns. I was interested in reinterpreting the lantern as an open, contemporary structure. As people move around and through the work, the layers overlap and change, allowing light, shadow and the surrounding garden to become part of the sculpture."
The official launch falls around the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, when lanterns, gathering and connections have a strong cultural resonance.
City of Ballarat Acting Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said it's incredible to see how Jina has captured the idea that every home, family and individual story contributes to the fabric of our community.
"It is wonderful to see this artwork reflect the many people, cultures and stories that come together to make Ballarat such a vibrant and welcoming place," he said.
"Public art enriches our shared spaces by creating opportunities for reflection, conversation and community connection. Through its location in the Ballarat Intercultural Garden, this artwork encourages residents and visitors to engage with stories of migration, belonging and cultural exchange in a meaningful and accessible way."
The Ballarat Empty Plinth Project is an annual public art initiative delivered by the City of Ballarat, with a different artist commissioned each year to create a temporary sculptural work for the Ballarat Intercultural Garden that activates public space and encourages community connection. Multicultural Arts Victoria supports the project by promoting the opportunity to artists from diverse backgrounds.
As a rotating annual commission, the Empty Plinth Project introduces new perspectives and experiences into the community. By presenting temporary works that respond to changing conversations and community interests, the project ensures Ballarat's public art program remains vibrant, contemporary and responsive.
