Giant crabs take up residence in Cairns parklands

Munro Martin Parklands has been transformed into an open-air art gallery with three larger-than-life colourful crabs taking up residence in the vines.

By renowned Cairns-based artist Brian Robinson, the Malu Githalayl collection are 4m-wide honeycomb aluminium sculptures that until recently have adorned the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

Inspired by Mr Robinson’s childhood spent crabbing off Waiben (Thursday Island), the pieces feature traditional and incised design seen in Torres Strait Islander lino prints and intricate lace patterns.

Two of the sculptures have been suspended from the vines growing on either side of the stage, while the third peaks out from the extensive arbours at the northern end of the parklands.

Mayor Bob Manning said the exhibition will be in place during two of the region’s most popular arts and cultural events, the Cairns Children’s Festival and Cairns Festival.

“Art should excite and inspire us and these pieces that have literally ‘popped up’ in the parklands are a perfect example of that,” Cr Manning said.

“We are delighted that Mr Robinson has chosen to display these works in Cairns before they tour the country.”

Mr Robinson has provided the artwork on loan to Cairns Regional Council though to September. Other Robinson works in Cairns include the iconic Woven Fish at the Cairns Lagoon and The Citizens Gateway on the Esplanade.