The Big Hose

The Big Hose, an artist-designed play sculpture in the form of an oversized 119 metre-long garden hose has taken up residence outside Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

On permanent display, The Big Hose, a collaborative creation of contemporary Australian artists Tony Albert (Brisbane, Girramay/ Yidinyji/ Kuku Yalanji peoples) and Nell (Sydney), sits on the banks of the Brisbane River at Kurilpa Point, a traditional meeting and trading place for the region’s Turrbal and Yaggera peoples.

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines said The Big Hose alluded to Queensland’s domestic architecture, inhabiting GOMA’s ‘front yard’ and evoking breezy verandahs and subtropical gardens.

 Building on decades of experience collaborating with artists on projects for its Children’s Art Centre, the Gallery has worked closely with Tony and Nell to develop this unique addition to the precinct, and the artists in turn consulted with traditional custodians of the site on which the sculpture sits,’ Mr Saines said.

‘The artwork’s acknowledgment of the Indigenous history of Kurilpa is key, as is its commitment to children’s learning.'

Fabricated by UAP Foundry in Brisbane, The Big Hose will spark imaginations and invite discovery in visitors of all ages as the latest in the Australian tradition of landmark “big” things.

Artist Tony Albert said the sculpture’s home on the edge of the Brisbane River (Maiwar) was also the Story Place of Kuril, the native water rat. 

‘The country the artwork sits on, the land between the Brisbane River and GOMA, represents a gateway between these two worlds,’ Mr Albert said.

‘Many children will not have heard of Kuril, and one of the central ideas about the work is creating greater awareness of the thousands of years of Indigenous history of this site, Kurilpa.

 ‘The journey of the work begins with Kuril’s ‘hose hideout’, where audiences will discover Kuril nestled in the end of the hose attachment – an urban substitute for his native burrow,’ Mr Albert said

Nell said there were also other strong environmental messages in the work.

 ‘Visitors may notice there is no tap attached to the hose, rather, the illusion of water is conveyed by the form of the hose, prompting the young viewer to ask where the water comes from,’ Nell said.

‘In essence, The Big Hose marries themes of nature with the urban and built environment in a uniquely Australian way. The Big Hose is also full of joy – fun to look at, fun to play on and from there fun-learning can begin.’ 

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