Artist behind giant inflatable bunnies brings “Man” to Charlotte International Arts Festival this fall

Parer Studio is the artist behind the giant bunnies spotted in Uptown in 2019 and 2021.

Why it matters: Charlotte loves public art, especially when it’s larger than life, and “Man” is massive.

Festival details: Blumenthal Performing Arts announced their latest festival in March. The 17-day experience will include mostly free and outdoor events in Uptown. Plus there will be live performances, immersive art installations and conversations with thought leaders.

• Expect to see works from local and international artists, like featured artist Architects of Air from the United Kingdom.

Context: Parer Studio, founded by Australian artist Amanda Parer, focuses on creating large-scale illuminated art installations, which make their way across the globe. She created the 40-foot tall “Man” piece in 2019, and it’s since been all over the world, including Detroit, Italy and Dubai. 

Flashback: Parer Studio’s bunnies were on display during Charlotte SHOUT! in 2019, and though the festival was canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic, Blumenthal Performing Arts was able to bring them back.

• Of note: Charlotte welcomed back Charlotte SHOUT!, which Blumenthal helped launch during its inception, earlier this year after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus. Though the bunnies weren’t there, people flocked to the streets of Uptown for mini-golf and massive seesaws.

What they’re saying: “Charlotte is fortunate to have many different festivals throughout the year,” Blumenthal President and CEO, Tom Gabbard said in a statement when the festival was announced. “The launch of this new festival aims uniquely to expand the artistic identity of Charlotte and celebrate the best from around the world and around the corner in arts and creativity.”