WA wooden sculpture trail an Australian-first

Western Australia is set to install a series of giant wooden sculptures created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo in an Australian-first.

Update: Thomas Dambo’s GIANTS OF MANDURAH has now officially opened in Mandurah and Subiaco!

Dambo’s sculptures will feature at least five site-specific works – each up to five metres tall – that will be placed in secret locations around the Mandurah region waiting to be discovered and explored. The sculptures are intended to be protectors of the environment, and the local community will be directly involved in creating the works, which will each have their own personality and tell part of the story of the Mandurah area.

Little Tilde in Denmark is a recycle sculpture Dambo made as part of the larger project “Forgotten Giants”. (Image: Thomas Dambo)

Dambo’s practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with his work all handmade using recycled materials.

“We can design an entire world out of trash when we know what to do with it. That’s why I build these larger-than-life projects out of recycled wood and materials. I hope my work inspires others to be kinder to nature and our planet,” Dambo said.

The project is set to open to the public later this year and is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the region and inject millions into the local economy over the first 12 months.

This unique public art event is initiated and produced by FORM and will be delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah. FORM has previously put on cultural projects such as the PUBLIC Silo Trail, and the Field of Light: Avenue of Honour in Albany.

Isak Heartstone in Colorado is the 40th recycle wood sculpture by Dambo. (Image: Thomas Dambo)

Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap) is a lifestyle town with a holiday vibe – the perfect weekend getaway from Perth. Other than experiencing the magnificent sculpture trail, Mandurah also has dolphin-spotting and relaxing canal cruises with adventures to lesser-known wetlands and beaches.

Mandjoogoordap is an Aboriginal Nyoongar word meaning ‘meeting place of the heart,’ which rings true for many visitors to the region.

“This creative, family-friendly experience will draw thousands of visitors to Mandurah and the Peel region, creating awe and wonder for the community while injecting millions into the local economy,” WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook said.

“I encourage everyone to make the trip to Mandurah to discover this wonderful series of artworks, as well as the many other attractions this region has to offer.”