Skywhales: Every heart sings

7 Mar 2020 – 31 May 2021

A sensory display in the Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery expands the ideas embodied in Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, including anthropomorphism (or the tendency to ascribe human characteristics and emotions to animals and objects), empathy and the changing definitions of family. Drawing together studio drawings and 3D models, along with an artist interview, the exhibition shows the development of the Skywhale family.

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.

Colour your own skywhales with these printable colouring sheets featuring illustrations from Every Heart Sings.

The stories and journey of the skywhale family present opportunities for students and teachers to discuss, explore and learn about big ideas of sustainability, family, community, and imagination. Our free on-site program for early childhood through to secondary students centres around the Patricia Piccinini: Skywhales exhibition in the Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery, and features creative conversations and activities facilitated by our Artist Educators.

Primary and secondary students outside Canberra can learn about the skywhales online with the Skywhales Digital Excursion, a free 60-minute Zoom session with our Artist Educators promoting creative and critical thinking, and the online learning resource for primary students investigates ideas of sustainability, diversity, nurture, evolution, community and imagination.

See all programs available for early childhood, primary and secondary students.

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. Visit the We are the Skywhales song page to listen to the song and learn the lyrics, or sing your heart out the karaoke version of We are the Skywhales!

Local 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!

Three Mills Bakery in collaboration with Patricia Piccinini created an exclusive Skywhale Croissant Cone to celebrate the debut skywhale family flight in Canberra. The cone is a nutritious purple wheat croissant filled with a honey milk custard and plum jam and topped with freeze-dried raspberry and puffed grain meringue. Inspired by the form, colour, and texture of the skywhales, the Skywhale Croissant Cone added a sensory dimension to the flight. 

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