Outdoor Inflatable Art by David Byrne Tight Spot Inflatable Globe

Ever 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.

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 40

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

“The huge cereal bag could be seen from anywhere and was a nice draw to gather people to the tents we had set up.”

- Anika Hage, WatersMolitor

“The inflatable finish arch looked fantastic! Local media was also there filming, so photos and videos of our race were viewed by many with our logo front and center.”

- David Parker, Pacific Road Runners Club

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"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

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"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