Carlos Amorales’s Black Cloud 2007/2018 is a sublime and surreal gathering of 30 000 black paper butterflies and moths in sculptural formations. Alighting on the walls, ceiling, and light fittings at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane during the exhibition ‘Air’, the flight of insects is both wondrous for its unexpected arrival in the Gallery and foreboding in how it darkens and crowds the space. Moments of concentrated intensity are balanced by smaller, sparser groupings creating a teeming mass which rises to envelop the viewer.

DELVE DEEPER: https://blog.qagoma.qld.gov.au/30000-butterflies-and-moths-migrate-to-goma-during-the-exhibition-air/
WEBSITE: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibition/air/

Carlos Amorales, Mexico b.1970 / Installation view of Black Cloud 2007/2018, ‘Air’ GOMA 2022 / 30 000 black laser-cut and handfolded paper butterflies (30 different butterfly and moth species in five sizes with a wave wing pattern), ed. 1/3 (+ 1 A.P.) / Purchased 2022 with funds from Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Carlos Amorales / Photographs: M Campbell © QAGOMA

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Australia
© Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees, 2023

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