Kiko 2016
Parramasala Festival, Paramatta, NSW
I was commissioned to create a mascot for the Parramasala Festival, one of the largest multicultural festivals in New South Wales.
The result was Kiko, a seven-metre-high inflatable sculpture covered in my bold blue-and-white illustrations. At night, the sculpture glowed brightly, reflecting the energy and vibrancy of cultural exchange.
The blue-and-white palette draws on a long ceramic tradition that travelled across the Islamic world, Asia, Europe and the Americas. I also incorporated the ‘V’ hand gesture, commonly seen in selfies, as a playful symbol of peace and people coming together.
Through Kiko, I wanted to create a joyful figure that visually brought different cultures together.
Artist: Vipoo Srivilasa
Commissioned by City of Parramatta Council
Curated by Sue Spence, Parramasala Festival Producer
Fabricated by The Inflatable Event Company Pty Ltd
Material and dimensions: Inflatable sculpture, 3.5 metres high, internally illuminated
