On Sunday 24th June 2018, a date which marked the historic 40th anniversary of the first ever Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a vibrant inflatable art installation in the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQI district, Taylor Square.
Designed by Maurice Goldberg and Matthew Aberline, 40 YEARS OF LOVE uses symbols to represent the five themes of repression, adversity, freedom, diversity and love. It further represents historic Mardi gras concepts such as public protest, joyous celebration, community activation and engagement and incorporates many colours and shapes to express that Mardi Gras is not a singular concept but a mixture of diverse ideas, people, histories, politics and expressions.
“The sculpture is nine metres high at the highest point above the ground”, Goldberg stated, ‘That’s higher than a three storey building. We want people to notice this- it’s a big, sassy, loud, undeniably in your face installation.”
Despite its popularity this powerful and poignant installation will be dismantled on the 1st September.
One would hope that a more permanent sculpture modelled on the inflatable one would be installed in the not too distant future.
Pics by Ben Apfelbaum.
