Whale Sculpture

Did you ever hear of a whale of a tale in Sydney? Right here before us is the Whale Sculpture, one of thirty two-meter-tall whale tail sculptures that graced Sydney’s waterfront. In the late summer of 2022, a vibrant pod of whale tails surfaced along Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. These weren’t your average sculptures. Each Whale Sculpture, including this one, was uniquely designed by a different Australian artist, inspired by the location and the land. Imagine a six-kilometer trail stretching from Barangaroo to the Sydney Fish Market, a colorful procession of whale tails against the backdrop of the harbor. The Waterfront Whale Tales exhibition, curated by Art Pharmacy, brought together a diverse group of artists. This included Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas, illustrator Chris Yee, and the whimsical Sha’an d’Anthes, also known as Furry Little Peach. Indigenous Curatorial Advisors, Uncle Graham Toomey and Aunty Joanne Selfe, played a vital role, connecting artists to the Whale Story and the Gadigal and Saltwater Country. Aunty Joanne explained how whales hold intricate Aboriginal knowledge systems, a complex tapestry of science and cultural practice. Uncle Graham highlighted the sculptures’ depiction of ancient tracks that connect clans and their shared stories. This Whale Sculpture wasn’t just about art; it was about connection, to the land, to the stories, and to a vital cause. After the six-week exhibition, the sculptures were auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting The Kids Cancer Project. So, the next time you think of whales in Sydney, remember these magnificent tails, the artists who brought them to life, and the legacy they left behind.