A unique public artwork is coming to Subiaco for the very first time as part of the much-loved Subi Blooms celebration!
Subi Blooms, one of Perth's best-loved immersive floral art events, will go to another level this year with the arrival of an intriguing, internationally acclaimed, art installation.
Stem by Stem – an interactive technology-based installation fusing art and floristry – comes to Subiaco in April for a month, creating a stunning attraction for two weeks either side of the Subi Blooms during Mother’s Day weekend (10 to 12 May).
The artwork has only been seen in Australia once before and is coming to Western Australia for the very first time. Stem by Stem promises to demand attention, excite comment and bring visitors of all ages to Subiaco for a unique experience.
Stem by Stem is the creation of Melbourne design studio ENESS, whose interactive pieces at the cutting edge of creative thinking have been exhibited all over the world.
This fun and remarkably clever artwork combines elements for which ENESS is well known: intricately-detailed custom patterns that contemporise traditional motifs such as the fabric of Japanese kimonos; anthropomorphised characters; oversized motion-tracking eyes; and viewer interactivity.
The installation features two six-by-three-metre illuminated, inflatable characters side-by-side, each holding an overflowing bouquet of flowers by one of Perth’s most renowned floral artists, Sir Botanical.
The sweet, other-worldly creatures of Stem by Stem are both visually striking and interactive: visitor movement stimulates bursts and blooms of colour beneath their highly-patterned skins. An ethereal soundtrack of bird calls and soft, ambient synth notes intensify, fade and rebuild as more people move into the space.
The installation will be hosted on Seddon Street, near the entrance to ONE Subiaco’s ground floor commercial precinct and be accessible 24/7 during the exhibition period from Friday 19 April to Sunday 19 May.
Stem by Stem promises to take Subi Blooms to new levels of public recognition and attract a huge audience, from the merely curious to serious art aficionados.
Mayor David McMullen said he is excited to witness the success of Subi Blooms as it enters its sixth year.
“This popular event continues to flourish, and this year, it will be fantastic to see the large-scale Stem by Stem art piece added to the Subi Blooms map,” he said.
“I invite everyone to come down to Subiaco to see the art piece for yourself, and to soak up the creativity of local florists in the Subi Blooms weekend from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 May.”
A much-loved event since 2018, Subi Blooms features a collection of large-scale floral arrangements by some of Perth’s best florists placed through the Subiaco Town Centre in celebration of Mother’s Day weekend.
Subi Blooms is run by See Subiaco, an initiative by City of Subiaco.