Florentijn Hofman: Messengers of Brisbane 2021

Overview

Brisbanites, it's time to go birdwatching — but not in the usual manner. From Friday, September 3–Saturday, September 25, you're looking for one type of winged creature. You're trying to spot the only six of them in the city, in fact. They're giant and they'll be perched atop Brissie landmarks, so they shouldn't be too difficult to locate.

One of Brisbane Festival's literally big 2021 inclusions — and a returning highlight from 2020's fest — Messengers of Brisbane is comprised of a half-dozen Gouldian finches, all towering over well-known locations. Last year, the birds popped up at the Goodwill Bridge, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, South Bank, Brisbane Powerhouse and Brisbane City Hall, if you're wondering what we mean by iconic spots.

These finches are colourful, and can be seen whether you're walking, driving, cycling or on a CityCat — and they're designed to add some cheer to this otherwise average year.

Messengers of Brisbane is also the latest large-scale art work by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, who is known for placing oversized animals in iconic spots. If you've seen footage of his massive inflatable Rubber Duck sculpture, then you'll know why you should be getting excited.

Images: Atmosphere Photography.