From May 31 to June 13, HOTA is set to transform once again into a shimmering playground of light, art, and imagination thanks to the biggest and boldest artwork ever seen at the prestigious precinct: a unique Skynet created by artist Patrick Shearn from Poetic Kinetic.
Titled Cloud Play, the breathtaking artwork is a 530 square metre kinetic sculpture that will soar in the sky above HOTA and, in order to immerse visitors in the full majesty of the piece, an ethereal soundscape that blends ancient indigenous knowledge with an original score and natural sound recordings by Lann Levinge, Jose Carbo and William Barton.
If you can imagine, the sculpture will be even more impressive by night, with the a custom-made light display that will not just illuminate the artwork and site, but will respond to wind changes and, thus, the sculpture’s movements, turning it into a dance across the sky set to a symphony of colour!
Yarmila Alfonzetti, Heads of Arts and Culture, Experience Gold Coast explained what makes this outdoor art experience so special: “We’re thrilled to bring Wonder back for another year. It’s a celebration of creativity that invites everyone to reconnect with art and nature through the lens of a major annual outdoor installation, this time an Australian exclusive. Wonder is about discovery, surprise, and community – and we can’t wait to share it again with the city.”
This is not Poetic Kinetics first rodeo, as they have installed awe-inspiring Skynets all over the world thanks to their incredible know-how when it comes to artistry and engineering. This is on full display in the final artwork being displayed at the Gold Coast, made up of tens of thousands of messages of gratitude, collected during March, and will carry the living narrative of our community, while creating a mesmerising canopy that invites everyone to look up, pause, and discover the moving art.
But that’s not all! Underneath the canopy of Cloud Play, visitors will be able to enjoy a series of events, both free and ticketed across the opening 3 weeks! You can look forward to performances by leading local talent like The Good Band and Sounds Like Gold Coast by Gold Coast Music Network. And, for one night only, Wunderbar by Goldys will feature the ultimate after dark celebration of all things queer and fabulous! Headlined by Natalie Bassingthwaighte and The Huxleys it’ll be an unforgettable night of dance, drag, performance art and DJs!
Over four evenings, you can immerse yourself in the audio experience Gawrehma Jungan: The Story of Clouds, in which Lann Levinge will tell First Nations stories over four evenings, and will guide you on a sensory journey that explores how clouds and weather patterns play a vital role in First Nations cultures, symbolising change, renewal, and spiritual connection to the land.
Strictly Baz Luhrmann: The Concert, which celebrates the iconic music from Baz Luhrmann’s powerful films with a live orchestral performance in the outdoors is also a part of the program. Lucky attendees can expect a gorgeous blend of cinematic scores and popular songs, paired with moments of theatrical flair that reflect the director’s signature larger-than-life style.
The grand finale will come courtesy of the Brazilian act Baiana System, along with a line-up of local Brazilian bands for an evening under the stars savouring the beats and soul of Brazil, so bring your dancing shoes!