FORM Building a State of Creativity and the City of Mandurah are pleased to announce that Thomas Dambo’s Australian-first exhibition Giants of Mandurah will officially launch to the public on Saturday 12 November. This follows the June 2022 announcement that this iconic series of wooden sculptures from the renowned recycle artist will call Western Australia home.
Dambo has exhibited extensively throughout the world including Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile. Both an artist and activist, Dambo’s practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with the artist’s works handmade using recycled and locally sourced materials.
Of having the opportunity to bring his work to life in Western Australia Dambo said, “Coming from Denmark, Australian nature looks like pure magic straight out of a fairytale, so I'm proud and excited to see my sculptures a part of such a unique setting.”
Arguably one of his most ambitious projects to date, Dambo has intentionally designed Giants of Mandurah as a game of self-discovery that will celebrate and encourage stewardship and protection of the Peel region’s natural environment. The project will highlight its globally significant Ramsar-listed wetlands, and unique waterways, bushland and wildlife. The artistic narrative and environmental story will sit alongside and is inextricably intertwined with a creation story gifted by the region’s Traditional Owners, the Bindjareb people.
“Thomas’ Giants will bring a sense of joy, wonder and playful curiosity to the shores of Mandurah this summer, and with it an opportunity to share our unique stories with the world,” City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said. “We are shaped, both geographically and culturally, by our waterways and unique natural environment, making us the perfect canvas to host Thomas’ first foray into Australia.
“The excitement is building as we prepare to welcome Thomas and his Giants, attracting curious minds from far and wide, and locally, to uncover or rediscover all the great things Mandurah is known for.”
The larger-than-life hunt for Dambo’s Giants will begin at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, where clues of the whereabouts of the Giants will be made available. Visitors will then need to explore the region to locate each Giant, collecting a special symbol at each site along the way. Together, when the symbols are entered into the special codebreaker at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, the symbols will reveal the location of the final super-secret Giant.
As with any game, there are rules, however for this particular game the most important rule is - “Don’t ruin the game for anyone else.”
“We all know the existence of the Tooth Fairy is up for debate, but there is an unwritten law buried deep in our psyche that allows us in certain situations to pretend that she does. If you find a Giant, please share your experience with others, but don’t spoil the game for them,” explained Dambo.
“The Giants of Mandurah journey of self-discovery will capture the imaginations of the young and young-at-heart. The visitor chooses the pace, order, mode of transport and even degree to which they complete the game. While the adventure certainly can’t be done in one day, we encourage everyone to plan a leisurely stay in Mandurah to discover not only the Giants, but all the other amazing experiences Western Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2022 has to offer,” said FORM’s CEO Tabitha McMullan.
Information including tips and resources will be made available through the project’s dedicated website www.giantsofmandurah.com.au. The free-to-view outdoor exhibition will also be accompanied by a map, traveller’s companion and learning resource.
The Giants of Mandurah is anticipated to bring thousands of visitors to Western Australia’s Peel region, and boost the local economy.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Roger Cook said, “We are delighted that the stunning natural bushland of Mandurah and the surrounding Peel region will be the location for Thomas Dambo’s first ever exhibition and sculpture trail in Australia.
“Along with many people of Western Australia, I am awaiting the opening of Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah exhibition on 12 November with great anticipation.
“For the next 12 months, Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah will call the natural settings of the region their home, inviting visitors to discover them and appreciate the beauty of their environment.”
The Giants of Mandurah has been initiated and produced by FORM Building a State of Creativity and delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah. The project is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Visitors will have plenty of time to explore the Giants of Mandurah, which will be on display at least for 12 months from the 12 November 2022.
For more information, images, video or interviews, please contact aimee.ko@form.net.au / media@form.net.au or 08 9385 2200.
