Telfair Museums Announces Inflatable Art Installation Earth Angel, by FriendsWithYou

SAVANNAH, GA – April 14, 2023 – Telfair Museums presents an exciting new art installation, Earth Angel by FriendsWithYou, at the Jepson Center. The inflatable sculpture consists of an expansive, reflective butterfly suspended from the atrium ceiling and will be on view through Spring 2024.

Creative artist duo, FriendsWithYou, was commissioned to create Earth Angel after a successful presentation of BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art in 2022. Artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III designed the sculpture with a mission to foster connections among people and promote community building worldwide in mind.

As part of their conceptual project to rename our planet “Ocean” and unite humanity, Earth Angel represents a celestial visitor to Ocean, symbolizing vibrational harmony. FriendsWithYou Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III explains, “Earth Angel, a creature from beyond the heavens, visits the planet Ocean. This entity is the embodiment of vibrational unity in all things, inside the infinite universe(s), this phenomenon is made visible in this form, Earth Angel. Its mirror-like surface symbolizes the universal totality present in all things, as all matter is equal and ever-changing, we see our own selves in this mythological character distorted, transformed, and anew.”

FriendsWithYou have exhibited their work in museums and public venues worldwide, and have created their hit pre-school animation series, “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” on Netflix, and were invited to create their “Little Cloud” icon as a giant helium inflatable in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2018.

“We are excited for visitors to experience the awe and joy of the epically sized friendly creature Earth Angel,” said Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Erin Dunn. “FriendsWithYou’s vision and goal to bring kindness and love to the world through art making is reflective of Telfair Museums’ mission to build a community and inspire through art.”

The sculpture’s installation is part of Telfair Museums’ ongoing strategic plan that prioritizes excellence community, and engagement of the arts.

Visitors are encouraged to share photos and feedback online, tag @telfairmuseums & @FriendsWithYou. For more information about Earth Angel, please visit www.telfair.org/exhibitions/earth-angel/.