The sculpture's design is inspired by the legendary 'Sea Serpent' which is said to inhabit various mythologies across global cultures.
The aluminum structure was specifically engineered to withstand the corrosive saltwater environment and the strong currents of the Loire Estuary.
Artist Huang Yong Ping was a prominent figure of the Chinese avant-garde movement before moving to France in 1989.
The work was commissioned as part of the Estuaire contemporary art biennial, which features permanent installations along the river from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire.
The positioning of the serpent aligns with the nearby Saint-Nazaire Bridge, highlighting the contrast between industrial architecture and organic-inspired art.
Serpent d’Océan is a 130-meter-long aluminum sculpture created by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping for the 2012 Estuaire contemporary art exhibition. It depicts the skeleton of a sea serpent, with its vertebrae partially submerged in the tidal zone of the Loire Estuary. The structure is designed to be gradually reclaimed by the marine environment, with shells and algae accumulating on its frame over time. It sits on the Pointe de Mindin in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, positioned to face the Saint-Nazaire Bridge. The sculpture's appearance changes significantly with the tide, as the water level determines which sections are visible or submerged. It remains a permanent fixture of the public art collection coordinated by Le Voyage à Nantes.
From the beach at the base of the dunes to capture the full length of the serpent leading toward the bridge in the background.
Check local tide tables before arriving to decide whether you want to see the sculpture surrounded by water or accessible for close-up inspection.
Wear footwear suitable for muddy or wet sand, as the ground around the sculpture becomes very slippery during low tide.
Visit during low tide if you wish to walk along the length of the spine to see the scale of the individual vertebrae.
Do not attempt to walk out to the sculpture during a rapidly rising tide, as the water depth can increase quickly and trap visitors on the sandbanks.
Avoid climbing on the sculpture to preserve the art and ensure personal safety on slippery, barnacle-covered metal.
