Australian artist duo Craig & Karl has created spectacular inflatable art installations across multiple walking bridges in Brisbane, Australia, featuring sweeping arches and vibrant domes that respond to each structure's unique architecture. The large-scale artworks serve as the centerpiece of Brisbane Festival 2025, transforming the city's pedestrian bridges into colorful interactive art experiences.

Brisbane-born creatives Craig Redman and Karl Maier, who are now based in New York and London respectively, were commissioned to develop these installations for three major bridges: the Neville Bonner Bridge, the Goodwill Bridge, and the new Kangaroo Point Bridge. The artworks form part of a citywide public art trail called "Walk This Way," which aims to connect the local community with the Brisbane River's walkways through organized walking tours featuring insights from the artists themselves.

The inflatable interventions showcase Craig & Karl's signature style, distinguished by geometric patterns and joyful colors, while incorporating shapes directly influenced by the bridges' architectural features. On the curving cable-stay Kangaroo Point Bridge, brightly colored inflatable arches straddle the pedestrian and cycle-friendly route that connects Kangaroo Point to the city's central business district, creating a dramatic gateway effect for visitors.

Further west, pedestrians crossing the Neville Bonner Bridge encounter a unique sculpture comprising several inflatable characters called "Mateys" that lean inward to create a dome-like structure overhead. These Mateys serve as more than decorative elements – they function as companions for shared experiences, inviting visitors to engage with different parts of the city as they explore the public art trail.

At the Goodwill Bridge, Craig & Karl's contribution takes a different form with horizontal banners featuring vibrant repeat patterns that flutter beneath the bridge's curving canopy. This installation creates a dynamic visual experience as the colorful banners move with the wind, adding movement and energy to the static bridge structure.

The artist duo's work spans design, illustration, and public art, with a focus on creating major installations that bring communities together. As part of Brisbane Festival 2025, a retrospective exhibition of Craig & Karl's work is currently on display at Griffith University's Queensland College of Art & Design, the very place where the artists first met almost 30 years ago, adding a personal and historical dimension to their festival participation.

Brisbane Festival 2025 is taking place from September 5 to 27, offering visitors multiple weeks to experience these colorful inflatable installations and participate in the "Walk This Way" public art trail. The festival represents a significant cultural moment for Brisbane, bringing international artistic talent back to their hometown while creating accessible public art experiences that encourage community engagement with the city's infrastructure and natural waterways.