I imagine visitors assembling to watch these giant figures come to life. As the dawn breaks, they see Skywhalepapa and Skywhale take shape and ascend into the air together, connected by a bond of care. It is a simple story, but a beautiful and uplifting one. With a single skywhale figure we have a character, but with the two we have a relationship and a narrative.

(Patricia Piccinini)

Skywhales across Australia will see Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhale, 2013 and Skywhalepapa, 2019­–2020 take their family on another tour of Australia.

In the form of two monumental hot air balloons, the skywhale family represent nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. This touring exhibition presents a rare opportunity for regional Australians to experience the magic of the skywhales within their own community.

Skywhales across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.

Skywhales across Australia is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know my name project, the National Gallery initiative celebrating the work of all women artists to enhance understanding of their contribution to Australia’s cultural life.