Gigantic Inflatable Sculptures to Invade Downtown Mesa

Six gigantic inflatable and illuminated humanoid figures created by Australian artist Amanda Parer will land in downtown Mesa May 4 – 13. The sculptures make up “Fantastic Planet,” a temporary public art installation making its premiere in the United States. Planned to be viewable across several blocks in the heart of downtown Mesa, three sculptures will be at Mesa Arts Center and the remaining three will be at Milano Music Center, i.d.e.a. Museum and Federal Building on 26 N. Macdonald St.

“These giants from afar will give audiences the impression that they have just landed and are quietly and gently exploring our ‘fantastic planet,’” says Parer.

The installation will kick off May 4, with a free community celebration in downtown Mesa, coinciding with the monthly Motorcycles on Main event. On Mesa Arts Center’s north patio, visitors will experience dance performances choreographed by Liliana Gomez-Dieckman, performances by musician Elise Trouw, Vessel Project’s Transfix, screenings of the Fantastic Planet film and a first look at the illuminated inflatable sculptures.

Australian artist Amanda Parer
PHOTO COURTESY PARER STUDIO

Several free events will be offered in downtown Mesa during the installation. Highlights include:

• Figure it Out, outdoor painting and drawing sessions among the sculptures on Mesa Arts Center’s north patio; May 5, 8 and 10; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• All-levels yoga class among the sculptures, offered by Sutra Studios on Mesa Arts Center’s north patio; May 8; 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Second Friday Night Out: Sci-Fi; May 11; 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Admission at i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History; May 11; 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

On May 11, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum will celebrate five new exhibitions of figurative work, complemented by the “Fantastic Planet” installation. Exhibitions include “Transitory Conversations” by ceramic artist Patti Warashina, “Adventure and Control” by Arizona artist Rachel Bess, “Life & Death Portraits” by Arizona artist Marylin Szabo, “It is Important to be Nobody” by Arizona artist Colin Chillag and “We the People,” a curated exhibition of Contemporary American figurative art highlighting exceptional figurative artists who capture an aspect of the American experience.

Fantastic Planet

May 4 – 13

Downtown Mesa

Fantastic Planet kickoff, May 4, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., at several sites in downtown Mesa

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum exhibitions opening, May 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.