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Outdoor Inflatable Art by David Byrne Tight Spot Inflatable Globe

David Byrne's Inflatable Globe Art InstallationEver Wanted to Stuff the Whole World? David Byrne Did with Inflatable Art

If you ask David Byrne what his outdoor inflatable art exhibit represents, you'll get a multi-part answer.

"The piece is maybe about [a distorted] childhood image of our world squished under an overhead train line. The squishing of an oversize childhood thing is sort of fun; it's not overly metaphorical. It's a childhood thing that's grown way out of proportion and has been constrained by train lines, apartment buildings and art galleries."

As interactive inflatable art, the idea is to experience the piece rather than merely to view it.  Incorporating both sound and sculpture, those who encounter the globe will most likely be drawn to it by the low, slightly ominous sounds that come from within the piece.  The noises are low-frequency pulses, tremors and rumbles that resemble what Byrne envisioned, then recreated, by processing recordings of his own voice.

"It's a wonderful challenge to come up with something that might work in a crazy space like this—that will be temporary, easily installed and removed."

At 19.5 feet by 48 feet by 48 feet, this 500-pound exhibit is one of the most massive undertakings we've created.  What a thrill to take such an imaginative work and bring it into reality.


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What Others Say About Landmark Creations


"Simply put, the bobbleheads were a real hit at TwinsFest. Over 21,000 fans attended the two-day event raising more than $100,000 for the Twins Community Fund charities."

- Heidi Sammon, Minnesota Twins

“The likeness to our company mascot was amazing. We used the balloon at the Winn Dixie Home & Garden show ... and we have had rave reviews.”

- Christy Bernard, Tony Chachere’s

The inflatable complements our messaging since Ivar’s is a quirky restaurant that’s known for its antics.

- J. Werth, Ivar's Restaurant

"We usually have to keep the arch up for at least 30 minutes after our races since so many people want to get their photos taken with it!"

- Art Boulet, Muddy Monk

"This year’s event was the highest attended in some time, and the [inflatable] astronaut, front and center on our Portico, was a great visible draw from all over the area."

- Dennis Bateman, Carnegie Science Center

"I was especially impressed with your ability to turn around such excellent work on very short notice, and at a fair price."

- R. Stever-Zeitlin, General Mills