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Designs created by local and international artists for 40 life-sized gorilla sculptures that will go on display this summer as part of the biggest ever mass-participation public art event in Jersey, were revealed yesterday.
Durrel’s ‘Go Wild’ Gorillas initiative will see 40 life-sized gorilla sculptures form a public art trail around the island in celebration of the wildlife conservation charity’s 60th anniversary this year.
It is hoped the large-scale community project will bring together art and conservation to help raise funds for Durrell - in particular, for a state-of-the-art new gorilla house at Jersey Zoo. Go Wild Gorillas will also play an important role in Durrell’s new strategy which aims to encourage more people to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. Bailiwick Express is supporting the initiative as its media partner.
Pictured: Ding-Dong, the first gorilla created by local artist Bokra, aka Ben Robertson.
Last night, Durrell’s troop of gorilla sponsors were invited to Jersey Zoo to select from over 80 vibrant, fun and inspiring designs, ranging from the wild and whimsical to bold and graphic and those with a more serious conservation message.
A variety of international and local artists, including Nick Romeril, Ian Rolls and Abi Overland, took up the challenge of imagining a design for a gorilla.
Nick Romeril said he wanted to get involved "to help Durrell celebrate their 60th anniversary and support the amazing work they do."
Pictured: Tim Childe of Quilter Cheviot, the Presenting Partner for 'Go Wild Gorillas.'
"Creating art on a gorilla was such a crazy-fun idea and it’s a great opportunity to do something for the community as well," he added.
Commenting on the evening, Tim Childe, Head of International and Jersey Office for Quilter Cheviot, Presenting Partner for Go Wild Gorillas said: “After attending the opening Go Wild Gorilla’s event and choosing our gorilla designs, we are incredibly excited to see the trail come to life!
"The programme’s purpose reiterates the trust and legacy Durrell are aiming to maintain, which are two key values we closely live by at Quilter Cheviot. Looking after our clients is our main priority, however being able to protect and grow the natural wealth of our planet at the same time is extremely rewarding!”
Pictured: Lesley Dickie, Durrell's CEO, speaking at the event.
Successful artists will now be commissioned to create the selected designs on the 40 life-size fibre glass gorilla sculptures that will be on display around Jersey from 27 July to 14 October 2019. Durrell’s CEO, Dr Lesley Dickie, described the art trail as “the highlight of this year’s creative and cultural calendar”.
Go Wild Gorillas is still looking for an Education Partner to get involved. It will give a sponsor the opportunity to work with schools and young people across the island as they decorate their own young gorilla sculptures, which will form their own indoor trail throughout the summer. The Education Partner will also get to sponsor two adult gorillas.
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