Burwood Chinatown Precinct Project
Artists: Sophi Odling, Christina Huynh
Burwood Council, working together with Burwood Chinatown, commissioned artists Christina Huynh and Sophi Odling to create a public art mural and lighting installation for Clarendon Place Burwood.
Artist Statement
The Last Lion
The race is on. Who can save the last lion? Children worldwide are beginning to forget, joy fades along with the magic and wonder of the last lion. The last known and spotting majestic beast was seen in Burwood Chinatown Precinct after dark in 2021.
Two children made accounts of witnessing a lion beast glowing, shimmering, and playfully dancing on the corner of Railway Parade and Clarendon Place in Burwood. Curiosity captured them as they took to the creature. Upon sighting the beast, it floated in an instance, beautiful and powerful, and before they could grasp it with all their might and sight – it vanished, never to found again.
Various accounts have emerged, including during a moon festival, a local chef claimed sightings of a similar glowing figure rustling through and helping itself to his pantry! Many accounts have reported a glowing figure wandering in mischief through the laneways of the Burwood Chinatown Precinct and Chinatown precincts worldwide. Still, none to this day have yet to grasp its magnificence since 2021.
Reflecting the innocents of childhood, the mystery of Burwood After Dark and the vibrant Asian cultures in the Burwood Community this artwork welcomes people to the Burwood Chinatown area.
Artist interviews
ABC News announcement of the Last Lion Winning Gold at the 2022 Australian Street Art Awards