Lisa Roet's giant silver ape is hanging around Kensington

"A giant silver ape has appeared in Kensington, but will only be hanging around for a few days. It's obviously a work of art, in this case by the Australian artist, Lisa Roet, who has been creating huge inflatable sculptures for over a decade and installing them in urban landscapes. Yes, this giant ape, this Kensington Kong, is actually a giant balloon. It's part of a two-part exhibition."

" It's not interactive, in that you can walk up to a barrier and look at the ape from a safe distance, but not touch. In a way, I like the enforced distance as it preserves a bit of mystery about the giant ape, as it seems to bend down to reach its arm out to you. You can't reach out and touch it back. Michelangelo's Adam is denied."

A giant silver inflatable ape by Australian artist Lisa Roet is installed in the Royal Geographical Society garden in Kensington for a limited time until 14th September. The installation is part of a two-part exhibition that also includes a photographic display inside the Society showing the ape in other countries. Visitors can approach a barrier to view the sculpture at a safe distance but are not permitted to touch it. The enforced distance creates a sense of mystery as the ape appears to bend and reach an arm outward. Admission to the Great Ape exhibit is free.

Read at ianVisits