Taking pride of place at the heart of the Immerse Art Installation are an eight-metre mother whale and her three-metre-long calf.
Creating these majestic art pieces is renowned and highly respected regional artist, Margaret Burgess, who has dedicated “months and months” of work to lovingly re-create these two enormous sculptures.
Constructed with a timber spine and cane ribs, every join of the tough and durable centre is individually drilled, its design aiming to create a sculpture that can endure and shine at events for years to come.
Its outer ‘skin’ is made from cotton spandex, with the humpback’s striking black and white colours finishing the overall effect.
Margaret has been an artist for over 30 years and moved into the spotlight with her Plastic Boutique series of installations that were exhibited in Canelands Shopping Centre in Mackay.
She regularly hosts inspiring workshops and is the driving force behind many environmentally relevant art initiatives throughout the region.
“The Great Barrier Reef Festival ticks all my boxes,” she said.
“Creativity, the environment – I just love being part of it all!
“It’s an intensely busy period but it’s also so rewarding to stand back and say ‘wow!’
“I also love working with the rest of the team, we are always growing and evolving and aspiring to create something spectacular.”
The whale component of the Immerse Art Installation will be transported from Midge Point to Fairy Tree Park on Friday.
Immerse 2023 is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
WHAT: Immerse Art Installation
WHERE: Fairy Tree Park
WHEN: 4-6 August
Respected regional artist, Margaret Burgess, with the whale sculpture at her home studio. Photo supplied
The Whales form an integral part of Immerse Art Installation. Photo supplied
