Patricia Piccinini's 'Skywhale' and 'Skywhalepapa' Will Soon Float Through Melbourne's Skies

Thirty-four-metres long, more than twice as big as a regular hot air balloon and ripped straight from Patricia Piccinini's inimitable mind, Skywhale might just be one of Australia's most recognisable recent pieces of art. It's a sight to see, and also the largest-scale example of the artist's ongoing fascination with the thin line that separates nature and technology — and it has finally met its match.

That'd be Skywhalepapa, which made its debut back in February thanks to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Taking both billowing hot air balloons around the country was always the plan, but that's been delayed a little due to the pandemic (Skywhalepapa was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020, in fact). But when MPavilion unfurls its 2021–22 program between December this year and April next year, Piccinini's floating pair will take to the skies above Melbourne.

Skywhalepapa is designed to form a family with Skywhale, and was originally commissioned as part of the NGA's Balnaves Contemporary Series. It took 3.6 kilometres of fabric to create the second bulbous sculpture, which also features nine baby Skywhales, safely tucked beneath their father's fins. Obviously, this isn't the kind of thing you see in the sky every day.

While MPavilion has just unleashed its lineup, an exact date for Skywhales: Every Heart Sings hasn't yet been revealed — so watch this space. The same applies to the specific spot where the otherworldly artworks will launch.

When it does soar above Melbourne, Skywhalepapa will make its city debut, after previous flights over country locations.

An exhibition dedicated to all things Skywhale — and Skywhalepapa — will also head to the National Gallery of Victoria, featuring studio drawings, 3D models and an interview with Piccinini about the development of the Skywhales.

And, if you're eager to learn more about the Skywhale family, the artist has also released a new children's book called Every Heart Sings.

Skywhales: Every Heart Sings will take to the air somewhere over Melbourne during MPavilion 2021–22 — with exact dates, times and venues yet to be announced. We'll update you when more details are revealed, and you can also keep an eye on the MPavilion website in the interim.

Images: Skywhale 2013, Skywhalepapa 2020, Patricia Piccinini. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Copyright the artist.