The ultimate family reunion—Skywhales to unite en masse above Canberra
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Saturday 6 February (weather permitting) will be a monumental day for whale watching. In the sky.
In a world-first, Canberra’s infamous Patricia Piccinini Skywhale will be joined by what many will presume is her mate, Skywhalepapa—a male equivalent to the heavily-breasted female, who is clutching a bevvy of calves.
Celebrated artist Piccinini is coy on their exact relationship, and whether the children are all of his, or perhaps belonging to a giant stratospheric whale pod and he is just doing the child-minding.
Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa 2019/20, (artist’s sketch). Courtesy of the artist.
The artist, who is interested in cross-species interaction, biopolitics, and the environment, as well as the emotional relationships our bodies have with others, said her latest sculpture was more a celebration of the care of young and she did not want to dictate how any family should look.
The family is sure to go viral given the global reaction to Skywhale which was unveiled in 2013 to mark the city’s Centenary.
It has since been gifted to the National Gallery of Australia by an anonymous donor in 2019 through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.
The NGA is celebrating the inaugural flight by inviting families to register for a grassy spot beneath the weightless pod on their grounds.
In line with COVID regulations, the event is strictly limited but free.
A special live performance of We are the Skywhales by Jess Green with her band and the Luminescence Children’s Choir will create an immersive sonic experience.
Guests who register are invited to bring their own picnic and blanket but will need to remain seated throughout the event.
Flights are subject to weather and logistical changes may occur. Please check back on the NGA’s website and social media channels on the morning of each flight to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
The new companion piece to Skywhale will take flight over Canberra three times—on 6February, 8 March (as part of the Balloon Spectacular) and 3 April—before moving to the wider skies of Australia as a National Gallery Touring Exhibition.
See the dedicated event page for more information on the COVID Safe Event.
Feature image: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhale 2013, nylon, polyester, nomex, hyperlast, cable. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Gift of anonymous donor 2019. Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program
