WoW! Gorilla Project
Bristol Zoo Commission, May 2011
http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/wow-gorillas
Jama (Jah-mah);One who brings people together.
Jama is my creation for the Bristol Zoo's WoW! Gorilla Project! 60 life size Gorilla sculptures decorated by local artists and sponsored by local organisations created a unique arts trail throughout the city of Bristol earlier this year to help celebrate the 175th birthday of the zoo and raise well needed funds for gorilla conservation and the local Wallis and Grommit Hospice Appeal.
The inspiration for my gorilla was taken from; the gorilla's natural habitat, the wide diversity of animals from around the world found at the zoo and the vibrant city of Bristol it's self. I wanted to show how the community and the zoo live side by side and integrate in a positive way. I have used a variety if African, Aboriginal, Native American and other cultural symbols to symbolise land, sea, earth and air. I have used shapes, characters and vibrant colours to help represent the exciting city of Bristol. .
Below: Jama at Temple Square, Bristol 2011
Click Photos to enlarge:
Above: Close up's of Jama's body.
Jama was on location outside The Temple Quay Building (just around the corner from Temple Meads Train station) in Bristol for 10 weeks during the summer of 2011.
Because of the popularity of the project, Jama and 19 other WoW! Gorilla's were displayed alongside the River Thames in London for 5 days in Oct 2011.
The Gorillas were auctioned off for charity in Oct 2011. Jama sold for £10,000 and altogether an AMAZING £427,000 was the grand total raised!!!
Also, I would like to say thank you very much to LDC for sponsoring me, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the project and have been over whelmed by the response.
Above: Jama at the Good Bye Gorilla's Event at Bristol Zoo Sept 2011.