Goya Dmytryshchak
A large-scale inflatable sculpture of iconic chimpanzee David Greybeard was last week transported by its creators at Williamstown to be installed outside Hamer Hall.
The 9×12-metre sculpture was conceived by Australian visual artist Lisa Roet in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute Global to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Goodall’s pioneering research.
The giant inflatable was made at Seaworks by world-acclaimed Maribyrnong-based artist Felipe Reynolds.
It will be on display at the Arts Centre Melbourne before embarking on a world tour to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Roet said the David Greybeard sculpture was part of an ongoing art project over 30 years.
“My art practice is all about apes and primates, and it’s really about the relationship with humans and our closest animal relative,” Roet said.
“Over the years, I’ve worked with scientists, particularly in Borneo where I’ve just seen the destruction of habitat, and my work has very much evolved into highlighting issues around no extinction of species and habitat destruction.
“[David Greybeard] is actually sitting on top of shard that’s in front of Hamer Hall, so it’s perched overlooking Melbourne. It’s like the King of Melbourne.”
The sculpture was originally due to be installed in April this year before the coronavirus pandemic.
Arts Centre Melbourne said “since then the world has changed and its message has become even more pertinent”.
David Greybeard can be seen in Melbourne until December 21.
