These iconic skywhales are about to set sail across Australia again

Opportunities to see these Ghibli-esque balloons will be possible from various locations from Townsville to Albany.

In an exciting announcement for art enthusiasts–and anyone searching for a bit of magic–leading Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s whimsical skywhales will take to the skies again in 2024 and 2025. Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are part of Piccini’s Skywhales Across Australia project, which sees two giant, helium-filled inflatable sculptures of Ghibli-esque creatures majestically float through the skies.

These whimsical creatures will grace the skies across Australia. (Image: Supplied)

Dr. Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery, highlighted the impact these art installations had during their first tour across Australia in 2021: ‘The Skywhales have become a part of our country’s contemporary culture.’

Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work, blending the realms of science fiction, nature, and biotechnology. She encourages communities to engage with these works creatively and with a sense of wonder. “Skywhales Across Australia is a project that explores nature, family, evolution, care, and wonder. The skywhales float into our lives to make us smile and think,” she said.

Piccini invites us into a world of fantasy and magic. (Image: Supplied)

Flights depend on weather conditions which Piccini highlights as a unique aspect of the project. “One of the best – and worst – things about this project is that we can only fly if nature allows us. We have to have the perfect conditions, it’s one of the few situations in life when human beings can’t force the world into giving us what we want. But when nature does allow it, it is all the more wonderful.”

Piccini is renowned for her thought-provoking and often surreal work. (Image: Supplied)

Hoping to catch a glimpse of these sci-fi whales in the sky? Here is the Skywhales Across Australia 2024-25 program:

•         Goulburn Regional Art Gallery NSW, Gundungurra Country: 22 February 2025
•         Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery VIC, Bunurong Country: 12 April 2025
•         Horizon/Caloundra Regional Gallery Sunshine Coast Qld, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country: 4 May 2025
•         City of Albany WA, Ballardong Nyoongar Country: 31 May 2025
•         North Australian Festival of Arts Townsville Qld, Gurambilbara Wulgurukaba Country: September/October 2025