The team at Glow was delighted to be asked once again to produce a collection of inflatable artworks for artist Bruce Asbestos. His newly commissioned work is currently on display in the courtyard at the Bluecoat in Liverpool and is inspired by the iconic building’s architectural features.
The collection includes a giant yellow smiling worm representing Rest, an oversized cartoon-like arm representing Connection and a number of spherical green eyes/frogspawn which represents Community. Each of these elements symbolise an aspect of positive mental health and seek to befriend the cherubs on the building’s classical façade.
Rest, the giant inflatable worm, is inspired by Japanese Kokeshi Dolls which famously have no arms or legs. It cheerfully peeps through the railings of Bluecoat and wobbles in the wind. Connection, the enormous cartoon-like arm reaches out to the people of Liverpool as if to give them a giant hug.
Bruce got the idea for Community, the giant frogspawn/eyes, during his lockdown walks when he saw frogspawn in a pond. The collection of jolly green spheres conveys the feeling of peaceful togetherness as well as providing unexpected fun for visitors and passers-by.
Bruce Asbestos has an unmistakable visual identity which has been an important consideration in the design and manufacture of these high-impact inflatable artworks. As well as the high quality of the design, Glow has ensured that the installation will be durable and stay brightly coloured and fully inflated throughout the four-month exhibition. Fortunately, the inflatable artworks were easily relocated to an indoor setting for a short time during the recent storms.
The artist is very happy with his collaboration with Glow and stated that it looks like it did in his brain!