Skywhales Across Australia
30 Nov 2024
Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, NSW
Free
'I imagine visitors assembling to watch these giant figures come to life. As the dawn breaks, they see Skywhalepapa and Skywhale take shape and ascend into the air together, connected by a bond of care. It is a simple story, but a beautiful and uplifting one. With a single skywhale figure we have a character, but with the two we have a relationship and a narrative'
About
Skywhales Across Australia will see Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhale 2013 and Skywhalepapa 2019–2020 take their family on another tour of Australia.
In the form of two monumental hot air balloons, the skywhale family represent nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. This touring exhibition presents a rare opportunity for regional Australians to experience the magic of the skywhales within their own community.
Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.
Skywhales Across Australia is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project, the National Gallery initiative celebrating the work of all women artists to enhance understanding of their contribution to Australia’s cultural life.
Curators: Elspeth Pitt, Senior Curator, Australian Art and Rebecca Edwards, Senior Curator, Australian Art.
Children's Book
Every Heart Sings follows the journey of the skywhale family and talks about nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. Published by the National Gallery of Australia, it is Patricia Piccinini's first children's book.
Available from the National Gallery Art Store for RRP $29.95 (inc GST). Learn more here.
Colouring Sheets
Colour your own skywhales with these printable colouring sheets.
Skywhales Song
Canberra musician Jess Green (AKA Pheno) collaborated with Patricia Piccinini in 2020 to compose the song We are the Skywhales for the Every heart sings project. Listen to the song below, or sing your heart out the karaoke version of We are the Skywhales!
Knitting Pattern
Canberra knitter Katy Griffis and artist Patricia Piccinini have collaborated on a Skywhale knitting pattern. Commissioned by Patricia, Katy developed the pattern, complete with details of knitting techniques, stitches and abbreviations, to create a 35cm Skywhale stuffed toy. Share your creation with us using #Skywhales!