Jason Hackenwerth, Pisces, 2013. Sculpture made by latex balloons

Jason Hackenwerth | Pisces

World-renowned New York artist, Jason Hackenwerth, unveiled his latest creation at the Edinburgh International Science Festival this morning.  Pisces, a work specially commissioned by the Science Festival, has been created with more than 10,000 coloured balloons and hangs over 40 feet tall from the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland.  The installation represents the artist’s interpretation of the legend of Aphrodite and Eros.

Jason Hackenwerth, Pisces, 2013. Sculpture made by latex balloons

Born in St Louis, Jason now lives and works in New York and has exhibited his work around the world at galleries and museums including the Guggenheim in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and at the 51st Venice Biennale as well as in Hong Kong and Mexico.  Pisces is the first artwork that he has created in Scotland. Jason said “I am very excited to be working here at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.  We have had such a wonderful response from everyone who has come to see us this week while we have been creating Pisces, and it’s a privilege to be working in such an extraordinary city.  I have always been inspired by the intricate structures in nature, and the connectivity of environments and ecosystems and it’s very exciting to be able to combine art and science in this way.”

Jason Hackenwerth, Pisces, 2013. Sculpture made by latex balloons

It has taken three members of Science Festival staff six days to blow up the 10,000 balloons which have been woven into an intricate three dimensional structure by Jason and his assistant Leah Blair. It has not only proved to be backbreaking work, but Jason and his team have also to wear ear defenders to protect their hearing from the constant popping and squeaking of balloons, and protective tape on their fingers. Pisces will hang in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland until Sunday 14 April.

more. www.jasonhackenwerth.com