In a first for the Queensland Cultural Centre, an artist-designed play sculpture in the form of an oversized 119 metre-long garden hose has been unveiled outside Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art.

Now on permanent display, The Big Hose, a collaborative creation of contemporary Australian artists Tony Albert (Brisbane, Girramay/ Yidinyji/ Kuku Yalanji peoples) and Nell (Sydney), sits on the banks of the Brisbane River at Kurilpa Point, a traditional meeting and trading place for the region’s Turrbal and Yaggera peoples.

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines said The Big Hose alluded to Queensland’s domestic architecture, inhabiting GOMA’s ‘front yard’ and evoking breezy verandahs and subtropical gardens.

‘Building on decades of experience collaborating with artists on projects for its Children’s Art Centre, the Gallery has worked closely with Tony and Nell to develop this unique addition to the precinct, and the artists in turn consulted with traditional custodians of the site on which the sculpture sits,’ Mr Saines said.

‘The artwork’s acknowledgment of the Indigenous history of Kurilpa is key, as is its commitment to children’s learning.

‘Fabricated by UAP Foundry in Brisbane, The Big Hose will spark imaginations and invite discovery in visitors of all ages as the latest in the Australian tradition of landmark “big” things,’ Mr Saines said.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said The Big Hose is a unique addition to Queensland’s flagship arts precinct, encouraging playful engagement with contemporary art and place.

'This large-scale installation by two of Australia’s renowned artists captures the lifestyle of Queensland with its welcoming climate and laidback attitude,' Minister Langbroek said.

'The Big Hose is an accessible arts experience that transforms a public space and helps to strengthen the state‘s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination ahead of Brisbane 2032.

'The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its 10-year arts strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, to grow our creative workforce and expand access to the arts to all Queenslanders.'

Artist Tony Albert said the sculpture’s home on the edge of the Brisbane River (Maiwar) was also the Story Place of Kuril, the native water rat.

‘The country the artwork sits on, the land between the Brisbane River and GOMA, represents a gateway between these two worlds,’ Mr Albert said.

‘Many children will not have heard of Kuril, and one of the central ideas about the work is creating greater awareness of the thousands of years of Indigenous history of this site, Kurilpa.

‘The journey of the work begins with Kuril’s ‘hose hideout’, where audiences will discover Kuril nestled in the end of the hose attachment – an urban substitute for his native burrow,’ Mr Albert said.

Nell said there were also other strong environmental messages in the work.

‘Visitors may notice there is no tap attached to the hose, rather, the illusion of water is conveyed by the form of the hose, prompting the young viewer to ask where the water comes from,’ Nell said.

‘In essence, The Big Hose marries themes of nature with the urban and built environment in a uniquely Australian way. The Big Hose is also full of joy – fun to look at, fun to play on and from there fun-learning can begin.’

The Big Hose was made possible by private giving through the QAGOMA Foundation, including generous support from Andrew and Dr Susan King, the Neilson Foundation, Margaret Mittelheuser AM and Cathryn Mittelheuser AM, Gina Fairfax AC, Dr Shirley Hsieh and contributions to the 2022 QAGOMA Foundation Appeal.

The Big Hose is on permanent display outside GOMA.

The refurbished GOMA Bistro, which looks out onto the play sculpture, has also re-opened with a new menu.

For more info visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

ENDS