Today I finally caught up with Canberra’s most controversial art work – The Skywhale. She was designed by Patricia Piccinini, one of Australia’s most recognised contemporary artists, but like the purchase of Blue Poles back in the 1970’s many were horrified that the ACT Government actually spent money (in this case $A172,000) on an artwork.
The Skywhale, in the arts precinct of Kingston, behind Megalo Print Studio and the Canberra Glassworks, 26 October 2013.
Having finally met her face to face, I’ve decided that I quite like her!
Below you can get some idea of the overall shape of the balloon, the pendulous breasts and the clawed tail.
The Skywhale,sitting in front of the Fitters Workshop, 26 October 2013.
I include this photo to help make some sense of my drawings of the Skywhale.
A 3/4 profile (from behind) drawing of the Skywhale, 26 October 2013.
Above you have roughly most of one side and the tail. I found the drawing difficult because even though she was tethered there was quite a bit of movement with the balloon.
The tail section of the Skywhale, 26 October 2013.
I think drawing the seams of the balloon , in the following sketch, delivers a sense of the roundness of the inflated balloon.
Detailed view of the seams on the side of the Skywhale.
We seem to have seen very little of the Skywhale since she first made her appearance in Canberra and I look forward to seeing her again in the future. Alas, it appears that the Skywhale will be a transient art experience, as the Wikipedia entry on the Skywhale notes that she will have a lifespan of only some 100 flights.
