What if I told you this seemingly simple sculpture embodies the very essence of renewal? This is the Wooden Snake Sculpture. It’s more than just art. It’s a vibrant symbol of Lunar New Year celebrations right here in Melbourne.
The Wooden Snake Sculpture is actually part of a series of six works. These commemorate the Year of the Snake. Specifically, they celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake. That year started on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac’s twelve-year cycle. This cycle is closely tied to the Chinese calendar. In this system, the Year of the Snake is linked to the Earthly Branch symbol.
These artworks are analog collages. The artist used imagery from old books. These books had already served their purpose. The images were carefully taken out and arranged. Glue and pins hold them in place. The artist combines different elements to create unified forms.
Five of the Wooden Snake Sculptures pay tribute to the five elements. These elements are central to Chinese philosophy. They include Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth. All five are interconnected. The sixth artwork references a Chinese creation myth. This myth tells the story of Nü Wa. She is a snake goddess.
Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology and folklore, these works intertwine symbolism and materiality. The artist also includes personal memories of the Lunar New Year. Elements from the Five Elements Theory are very important. Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are represented. Each element reflects themes of abundance, fertility, and harmony. Ceramic forms are laden with symbolic fruits and flowers. Intricate vessels are adorned with intertwining snakes. These pieces honor the cultural and spiritual significance of the season.
The artist draws from personal experiences. These experiences include growing up in the Chinese diaspora far from a cultural home. New Year celebrations have always meant family, food, and red packets. They are also about new clothes. Most of all, they are about a sense of belonging.
Lunar New Year is not a static celebration. It’s a dynamic tradition that embraces change. These changes come with time, place, and culture. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate the new year. Like most festivities, it has changed and adapted. It has also incorporated elements from adopted homes. Heritage adapts and thrives in new contexts. It welcomes changes, cultural shifts, technology, and ideas. At its core, it’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate.
Snakes appear in many ancient Chinese creation myths. These myths often involve the female divinity Nü Wa. She is a powerful goddess and the creator of humankind. Nü Wa is a matchmaker. She bestows fertility. She invents sound and music. She brings harmony to heaven, earth, and humanity. She is often portrayed as a snake deity. This is similar to other cross-cultural mythologies. These mythologies link snakes with creation and matriarchal figures. Nü Wa is usually depicted as half-human and half-snake. Later, she is half-dragon. She is always a semi-mythical and supernatural being.
In one creation myth, she formed humans out of mud or clay with her hands. In this version, she is surrounded by early ceramic forms. These were her first creations. Blossoms halo her. She takes the form of a stone carving with a snake’s tail.
The Wooden Snake itself embodies vitality and abundance. It draws inspiration from nature and cultural traditions. A tree emerges from a central pot. It’s laden with lush foliage and symbolic fruits. Its branches radiate the energy of growth and renewal. Snakes coil gracefully alongside festive fruits at the base. These include tangerines, oranges, apples, peaches, and plums. Each fruit is chosen for its symbolism in Lunar New Year celebrations. These fruits evoke prosperity, good fortune, and the spirit of togetherness.
The tree represents the potential for growth and expansion. Its branches mirror the vitality of life. The entwined snakes symbolize transformation and continuity. They underscore the cyclical nature of the seasons. They also highlight the connection between the past, present, and future.
So, as you stand before this Wooden Snake Sculpture, remember that it is more than just an artwork. It’s a celebration of heritage. It’s a symbol of renewal. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, culture, and nature. It’s Melbourne’s unique way of embracing the Lunar New Year spirit.