The Skywhale, Hot Air Balloon Sculpture of a Flying Whale Creature

“The Skywhale” is a sculptural hot air balloon in the form of a giant whale-like creature. Created by Australia-based artist Patricia Piccinini for the Canberra Centenary, the flying sculpture has a benevolent whale face and ten bulbous udders. The sculpture first flew over Canberra last weekend and another flight is expected in the coming days. After its Canberra residency, “The Skywhale” will commence a 2013 tour of Australia.

The Skywhale may appear fantastic but think about the blue whale – an air breathing mammal that lives in the ocean – and it doesn’t seem so far-fetched. I think that when we look up at the Skywhale and wonder what it is ‘for’, it might remind us that nature is not necessarily ‘for us’. It just ‘is’ and we’re just lucky enough to be around to see it.

photos and video via The Skywhale

via Hi-Fructose