Skywhale and Skywhalepapa air balloon sculptures take to the skies in Canberra

Stunning pictures show two gigantic air balloon sculptures finally taking off in Canberra after a month-long delay.

After weeks of waiting, artist Patricia Piccinini’s hot air balloon sculpture Skywhalepapa, along with the iconic Skywhale, took to the skies over the bush capital, Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Hundreds of revellers have gathered in Canberra to watch the gigantic air balloon Skywhale and her spouse Skywhalepapa take off, a month after the mammal couple’s false start due to strong winds.

The 30m high air balloons, designed by artist Patricia Piccinini, finally took off in the nation’s capital after failing to get clearance from air traffic control during their aborted launch in February.

More than 2000 people had bought tickets to watch the event outside the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle last month, but gusts coming in from the west would have pushed them towards Canberra airport.

But Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, which required 3.6km of fabric and 3.6 million stitches to construct, took off at dawn on Monday.

Patricia Piccinini’s iconic Skywhale air balloon artwork flies against the backdrop of Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Piccinini said while Skywhale was inspired by the wonder of nature, Shywhalepapa reflected nurture.

Skywhalepapa was designed to be shown holding their nine babies, ranging in age from toddler to newborn, under his fins.

“For me, Skywhalepapa is about answering the question that so many people had about the Skywhale, which is: ‘Where are her babies?’” she said.

Skywhalepapa takes flight. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Skywhalepapa in the air in Canberra on Monday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“They’re with their father, and he’s looking after them.

“There are nine offspring and he’s looking after all of them and making sure that none of them fall to the ground.

“It’s about how we see a strong masculine figure nurturing his children and how beautiful that looks and the idea that care is not gendered, it’s not just female. It’s available to all of us.”

A child watches on as Skywhalepapa takes to the skies. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Skywhale initially drew controversy during its 2013 unveiling because the ACT Government used $300,000 in public money for an artwork many Canberra locals found strange in appearance.

It has been described as “a giant turtle with breasts”, “terrifyingly nipply” and “the Hindenboob”.

The iconic Skywhale flies over Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

After three flights across Canberra, the balloons are to take a two-year national tour across the country, including to many regional centres.

Canberra locals took selfies as Skywhale and Skywhalepapa took off on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage