Wow! Gorillas, Public art sculpture trail in Bristol, United Kingdom.
Wow! Gorillas was an outdoor art exhibition featuring 60 life-sized fiberglass gorilla sculptures displayed throughout Bristol. Each statue was individually painted and positioned at various locations across the city center, including Clifton Suspension Bridge and Ashton Gate Stadium.
The exhibition took place in 2011 and was connected to Bristol Zoo's 175th anniversary. The city had a long history with gorillas, beginning with the first gorilla brought to the zoo in 1930.
The gorilla sculptures reflected Bristol's identity and its connection to wildlife, with each figure individually painted by local artists from the city. These artworks demonstrated how the community engaged with a shared creative project that celebrated the region's artistic talent.
The sculptures were spread across various public locations throughout the city from July to September 2011, making them easy to explore on foot or by public transport. They were positioned at recognizable landmarks and transport hubs, so visitors could plan a walking route or visit them during regular city trips.
One sculpture called Gorisambard was designed after engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and attracted special attention at auction after the display ended. The sale of all 60 sculptures raised substantial funds for local conservation and hospital projects in the city.
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