It weighs more than 100kgs, takes forty minutes to inflate and has travelled all around the world – now the infamous RedBall is about to pop up around Perth.

The project began in St Louis in 2001 when New York artist Kurt Perschke was asked to create a temporary art-work in a random location of his choice. The most unglamorous ‘armpit’ site under a bridge was chosen as the prime spot to inflate the big red ball.

Next on the journey was Barcelona, but Perschke says an invitation to take the project to Sydney was when the ball really starting rolling.

On its return to Australia the ball will be inflated in 15 random locations around the city during the Perth Festival. You could find it an alleyway, park or under another bridge. But no matter where the enticing ball suddenly emerges it will no doubt draw people in.

Is it simply the juxtaposition of such a lively, bright orb against a city backdrop that demands attention? Perschke believes it’s not just about the ball; it’s about what the ball facilitates.

It’s all about interaction – this is a piece of art that’s not based on the ‘look, don’t touch’ theory. Perschke wants people to touch it and even bounce against it. And if someone is driving past and is stunned by the creation without even knowing it’s art, then the project has served its purpose.

So no matter where you’re going over the next three weeks, don’t forget your camera – the RedBall could end up anywhere!

Where: Undisclosed – it’s all part of the fun!
When: 10 Feb – 03 March
Details: www.perthfestival.com.au

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