Acclaimed Maribyrnong artist Felipe Reynolds is known around the world for designing giant inflatables such as the bear mascot for the Sochi Olympics and for the world premiere of King Kong the musical.
Now, he has taken up residency at Seaworks in Williamstown, making inflatables that can be seen from the street to give people hope and joy during the COVID-19 crisis.
One is Puck, a six-metre high baby dinosaur inspired by world-renowned artist Takashi Murakami and Japanese toy design.
“He was originally designed for the SummerSalt Festival, which activated the arts precinct throughout Melbourne, and he was part of a suite of inflatables,” Reynolds said.
“Then there were tentacles that came out of Hamer Hall out of the Arts Centre, and the baby girl in an onesie is called Shine and she was outside a laneway that was blocked off for an arts hub centre.
“The inflatables which are on display here at Seaworks, I’ve arranged them with Halloween in mind so that’s why it’s got a bit of a ghoulish theme in the window.
“I’ve faced them towards the window … even at night-time, they’re illuminated so people can come by and have their own interaction while social distancing.
During the lockdown, Airena also created the ‘Messengers of Brisbane’ for the Brisbane Festival, working alongside acclaimed artist Florentijn Hofman. Their six giant Gouldian finches nest around Brisbane in key festival areas.
“Of course, they are under lockdown like we are but what was really good about it and the Brisbane Festival is being able to engage art and have people, even though social distancing was engaged, to be able to go and see art and basically inspire,” Reynolds said.
“I think hope is what’s needed and making things possible and keeping your hopes and imaginations alive was really important to get through.”
