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
