Get ready for a jaw-dropping encounter with a giant inflatable ape, as Sydney Contemporary sets the stage for an art fair like no other.
In collaboration with Principal Partner MA Financial Group, the fair will showcase a 9m high and 20m wide installation of a Skywalker Gibbon by renowned artist Lisa Roet. Perched atop the roof of Carriageworks, this colossal sculpture will greet visitors from 5 – 8 September, marking its spectacular Australian debut.
This isn’t just any oversized monkey; it’s a Skywalker Gibbon, an endangered species that Roet has brought to life using solar-sensitive inflatable material. Hand-painted with meticulous detail, this work is part of the dynamic Installation Contemporary program, curated by Talia Linz of Artspace. If you’ve ever wondered what a love call from a male gibbon sounds like, you’re in luck. Accompanying the installation is an audio projection recorded by Roet herself in the depths of Borneo. Talk about setting the mood!
Having made waves in major cities like Beijing and Edinburgh, the Skywalker Gibbon aims to highlight the pressing issue of environmental responsibility and the mass extinction of animal species. For over three decades, Roet has been exploring what it means to be human, using apes as a powerful symbol and social commentary. Her collaborations with scientific communities, conservation groups, and even the Jane Goodall Institute of Australia underline her commitment to ecological issues and genetic discoveries.
Reflecting on the work’s journey, Roet expressed, “It is great for this work, originally designed for Earth Hour in Beijing 2018 and recently featured at the Edinburgh Festival, to be presented by Sydney Contemporary.” She acknowledged the support of Gow Langsford Gallery, saying, “Recognizing the importance of contemporary art practice with an eye on key issues of our era is crucial.”
Sydney Contemporary Fair Director Zoe Paulsen chimed in, “As Australia’s premier art fair, we’re always trying to push the envelope and offer our visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience. We’re delighted to have Lisa Roet’s phenomenal Skywalker Gibbon to greet visitors at the entrance to Carriageworks this year.”
Anna Jackson, Director of Gow Langsford Gallery, couldn’t contain her excitement: “We are thrilled to present Lisa Roet’s monumental Skywalker Gibbon at Sydney Contemporary. This striking inflatable embodies Lisa’s decades-long commitment to exploring the profound connections between humans and our closest animal relatives.”
Since 2013, Sydney Contemporary has firmly established itself as Australia’s leading art fair, drawing over 25,000 visitors each year and generating more than $121 million in art sales. This year’s event features over 85 galleries with works from more than 400 artists, alongside curated programs for Installation, Performance, Talk, and Kid Contemporary. It’s not just an art fair; it’s the epicenter of Australia’s art market.
So, if you’re eager to be captivated by groundbreaking art and perhaps a little gibbon romance, grab your tickets online at the Sydney Contemporary website. Don’t miss the chance to witness this monumental fusion of art and environmental consciousness, supported by Destination NSW.
Sydney Contemporary will take place at Presenting Partner Carriageworks from 5 – 8 September 2024. Tickets are available to purchase online sydneycontemporary.com.au/tickets