TREASURES
Created in collaboration with balloon artist Twisted Mick, Treasures is an Xmas forest of lush vegetation with a carpet of toys and wrapped presents created entirely from hand twisted balloons.
Twisted balloons are a whimsical and recognisable feature of festive occasions, created at Xmas parties, shopping malls and summer festivals to delight and entertain.
The installation Treasures began as a microcosm of shiny balloons crammed into a display case. Hothouse flowers, poodles, dolls and toys jostled against each other. Inhaling and exhaling, the balloons slowly deflated throughout the exhibition, little by little losing air. Day by day this little world transformed, a toys eyeballs popped, a tree collapsed and Santa toppled over. The deflating of the balloons became bittersweet, treasuring the little things as they shrink and morph into delicate new objects. The balloons came to resemble debris leftover from celebrations, torn wrapping paper and confetti ready to be swept away.
Commissioned for The Dirty Dozen Xmas Show, Degraves Subway, Melbourne CBD, 2015-16.