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Artistic mutations

December 13, 2021 | Michael Turtle | 6 Comments

MUST LOVE FESTIVALS

Patricia Piccinini exhibition, Galway, Ireland

What is this world that Patricia Piccinini has imagined?

The first reaction could be to dismiss it as fantasy. Yet it seems so real. Real, not just because of the lifelike figures that appear before me, but because of the scenes they find themselves in.

Perhaps it is some kind of future. A future where animals from another planet – or mutations from our own – live in domestic peace with humans.

Or perhaps it’s the present. A symbolic representation of the connection we have with… with… well, I’m not sure. It probably depends on your interpretation.

Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks

This exhibition by the Australian artist Patricia Piccinini is one of the highlights of the Galway International Arts Festival. Although there are several excellent galleries operating for the festival period, the crowds are clearly drawn here, with more than 25,000 people coming to see her creations.

>> You can read my review here of the Galway International Arts Festival <<

It’s not hard to see why this collection is so popular. I think it’s partly because it’s unusual – but also because it’s so relatable, despite the surreal imagery it uses.

The boy with the strange creature resting in his lap, for example. The message that comes through is of love and trust. It’s not about the creature, it’s about the bond between the two of them.

Or the motorbikes that have been given a level of personification. Their metallic skin seems so unnatural, yet their pose is so familiar. Intertwined, in love, in safety, in comfort.

Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks

I’m not sure if the embracing bikes and the mutant creatures would coexist in this world of Piccinini’s creation. Is there some future or alternate universe where they would naturally be just metres away from each other?

Perhaps they’ve been placed together simply for the purposes of exhibition. They are both creations of the same mind, but not necessarily of the same world.

Patricia Piccinini challenges the audience with her work but I don’t think she tries to confront. It’s interesting to watch the crowds who come to the exhibition (their interactions with the art is almost as interesting as the art itself).

When you see a young boy – who stands as high as a mutant boy sculpture – observe the piece with a contemplative smile, everything starts to fit together. The number of families who have come along is telling in itself.

An art gallery may not be the sort of place you would normally take children but it is their innocent imagination that is portrayed in many of these works.

Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks

Let me now share with you some of my photos of this exhibition at the Galway International Arts Festival. Keep in mind that these are three dimensional pieces and my images will have trouble doing them justice.

If you ever have a chance to see Patricia Piccinini’s work for yourself, I hope you take it.

Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
Patricia Piccinini exhibition artworks
>> You can find out more information here about the Galway International Arts Festival <<

For accommodation, I suggest Hotel Meyrick, right on the main square

Time Travel Turtle was supported by Tourism Ireland as part of the Must Love Festivals project but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

Ireland Travel Guide

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IRELAND?

To help you plan your trip to Ireland:

  • The best 21 things to do in Dublin
  • Why you need to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
  • How visiting Dublin Castle offers an important historical insight
  • An itinerary to explore Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Visit one of the best castles in the country
  • Why this is Ireland’s most popular natural site
  • You can’t leave without kissing the Blarney Stone!
  • The fascinating ancient World Heritage Site
  • Learning the Gaelic way in Galway
  • Taste the new generation of Irish whiskey

Let someone else do the work for you:

You may also want to consider taking a tour of Ireland, rather than organising everything on your own. It’s also a nice way to have company if you are travelling solo.

I am a ‘Wanderer’ with G Adventures and they have great tours of Ireland.

You could consider:

  • Discover Northern Ireland (5 days)
  • Highlights of Ireland (9 days)
  • Ireland Explorer (13 days)

When I travel internationally, I always get insurance. It’s not worth the risk, in case there’s a medical emergency or another serious incident. I recommend you should use World Nomads for your trip.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. Rekha Rajan |

    August 14, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    Reply

    Wow…this is both scary and scintillating at the same time. I just love the detailing in every piece. Every hair stands out alone….amazing.

    • Michael Turtle |

      August 26, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Reply

      I know – so much detail in them. They are extremely lifelike when you see them in person. I find them a little scary too, although the more I look at them the more I feel warmth and love.

  2. Mary @ Green Global Travel |

    August 18, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Reply

    Strange, but fascinating! Each piece is so detailed, realistic, and well-sculpted. Interesting exhibition and post!

    • Michael Turtle |

      August 26, 2015 at 8:39 pm

      Reply

      A perfect description of the exhibition!

  3. Amrita Ahuja |

    September 28, 2015 at 7:37 am

    Reply

    Hello Micheal,
    As an interior designer I have to constantly procure works of art for my clients and I have now turned into an art lover by force of habit. When I was browsing the web for abstract art, I stumbled upon your blog and loved it. Keep up with the awesome job!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      Reply

      Fantastic – thanks for stopping by. I hope it has given you some inspiration! 🙂

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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