Bordalo II Unveils Happy Quokkas in Fremantle, Australia
Internationally acclaimed artist Bordalo II presents Happy Quokkas, a new addition to his celebrated Big Trash Animals series, now installed in Fremantle in collaboration with Piazza Fremantle.
Renowned for transforming discarded materials into striking large-scale animal sculptures, Bordalo II continues his exploration of environmental consciousness through a distinctly playful and emotionally resonant lens. Happy Quokkas draws inspiration from one of Australia’s most recognisable native species. Quokkas, small marsupials endemic to Western Australia, are widely known for their gentle expressions and naturally “smiling” appearance, which has captured global affection. The name “quokka” itself originates from the language of Aboriginal communities in the south-west of Western Australia, grounding the animal within a deeper cultural and geographical lineage.
Despite their global popularity, quokkas are classified as vulnerable, with habitat loss and environmental pressures posing ongoing threats. In this context, Bordalo II’s work operates on two levels. It celebrates the lightness and joy associated with the animal while quietly drawing attention to the fragility of the ecosystems that sustain it.
Constructed from reclaimed waste materials, Happy Quokkas embodies the artist’s signature approach. Plastic, metal, and industrial debris are reassembled into a vivid and expressive form, transforming excess into narrative. The result is a work that invites both delight and reflection, encouraging audiences to reconsider the lifecycle of materials and their impact on the natural world.
Situated within the public space of Piazza Fremantle, Happy Quokkas continues Bordalo II’s ongoing dialogue between art and ecology, reinforcing his commitment to raising awareness through works that are as visually compelling as they are conceptually urgent.
About Bordalo II
Bordalo II is a Portuguese artist internationally recognised for his Big Trash Animals series, in which he uses waste materials to create large-scale depictions of animals affected by environmental degradation. His work has been exhibited across major cities worldwide, positioning him as a leading voice in contemporary eco-conscious art.
Location
Piazza Fremantle
Fremantle, Western Australia