Our next Bigs are spineless, brainless, and most unwelcome at pool parties – and that’s just how they like it. Please put your tentacles together for Jerry and Janine, the Giant Jellyfish!
The bloodthirsty blubbers can be found floating menacingly along the waterfront at the entrance to Darwin’s sprawling East Point Reserve. Despite appearances, they’re actually very approachable and fun to play around with. They’re quite elegant, and join Colin, the Big Barramundi and Chinute Chinute as the most fashionable Bigs in the Territory.
The Giant Jellyfish are almost inde-sting-uishable from the real thing. Together with similar dugong statues nearby, they (East) Point to a bright future for this region!
The deadly duo form an art installation entitled Intertwined, which was brought to life by local artiste Aly de Groot in 2014. World famous for her exquisite woven masterpieces, this was Aly’s first Big, so she worked with sculptor Phillip Piperides and indigenous elder Bilawarra Lee on the $150,000 project.
Some spoilsports have complained about the cost, but honestly guys! That works out at $75,000 per Big, which is great value in any language. I assume they are simply jelly of Jerry and Janine’s popularity.
“It’s my gift to Darwin,” Aly told renowned tome the NT News. “I’ve been in Darwin for 20 years, and only recently I first saw jellyfish. I consider them as an icon for the Northern Territory but they’re more hidden than the dragonfly or the crocodile. I think they symbolise a hidden beauty and, yes, they’re dangerous and cause a lot of pain, but life can be like that.”
Yes, Aly, life certainly can be painful! I wouldn’t wish the agony of being separated from these gelatinous giants on anyone!
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