The banks of the Nepean River in Penrith will be transformed into a spectacular outdoor art gallery for the Real Festival from November 3-4.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a gigantic pulsating artwork called Nebulous. From a distance the work is a spectacular glittering sphere but up close it’s an intricate lattice work of delicate steel arms, accentuated by thousands of oversized holographic sequins.
“Nebulous is a towering kinetic sculpture designed to encourage a moment of reflection and wonder. It is inspired by imaginations of the earth as seen from the moon - a living jewel floating in space, a throbbing jellyfish or a cell dividing,” said artist Alex Sanson.
“My sculpture is designed to be mesmerising and hypnotic, but also tranquil and meditative. I hope that it will entrance and engage but also provide a place of quiet calm contemplation.”
Nebulous is just one work in the Real Festival’s collection of interactive and illuminated art installations.
Sonic Light Bubble by Melbourne design studio ENESS is four-metre high, six metre wide clear inflatable structure. Sonic Light Bubble responds to human touch with visual delights and mesmerising sounds, made possible by the 200 LED discs covering the surface and acting as volumetric video screen.
Victoria Lees thrilled attendees at last year’s inaugural event with her intricate crochet artworks which interweaved around the trees along the riverbank and came alive with colourful lights after dark. This year Ms Lees has created another stunning installation for the outdoor art gallery. Her intricate crochet nets are elongated funnels standing up to six metres tall.
On Life Support by Akira Kamada is a contemplative piece that reflects on the fragility of the natural world, particularly of rivers and forests, as well as the impact of human behaviour on the natural environment.
“Hopefully my work will trigger ideas and thoughts that will allow people to reflect on the importance and beauty of nature and/or on the role and potential of art as a form of expression in everyday life,” said Mr Kamada.
As well as other artworks, the festival will include a photography competition to celebrate Biodiversity Month and National Water Week. Local amateur photographers will have their submissions on display in the spectacular outdoor art gallery.
For more details visit: www.realfestival.com.au.
