At Air Artists, we focus on creating installations that shape how audiences experience a space from the very beginning. For our collaboration with CAVALLUNA, the internationally touring horse show, the brief was to design an entrance that would immediately transport visitors into the world of the performance.
We created a 21 metre wide hand-painted inflatable rock gateway that transforms each arena into a mythical landscape as soon as audiences arrive. Rather than acting as a simple entry point, the structure works as a visual threshold, setting expectations and signalling that what lies beyond is something far removed from the everyday.
The gateway was designed to command attention without overwhelming the performance. Spanning 21 metres, it frames the arena and draws focus towards the stage, naturally building anticipation before the show begins.
By integrating the structure into the wider scenic environment, we ensured it feels like part of the narrative rather than a standalone feature. It establishes a strong sense of place and helps ground the visual world that CAVALLUNA brings to life.
To achieve a realistic finish, every surface of the gateway was hand-painted to replicate the textures, depth and tonal variation of natural stone. This level of craftsmanship is essential in live environments, where structures need to hold up both from a distance and at close range.
The result is a piece that reads as solid and sculptural, avoiding the artificial look often associated with inflatables. Subtle detailing across the surface adds depth and realism, ensuring the installation enhances the overall production rather than detracting from it.
The gateway was designed to support, not compete with, the performance. Its rugged, organic form contrasts with the colour and movement of the show, helping to frame the stage and create a more layered visual composition.
By anchoring the space with a strong scenic feature, we were able to enhance immersion without drawing focus away from the performers. It becomes part of the environment, reinforcing the storytelling rather than interrupting it.
This project reflects how we approach large-scale installations. We combine artistic detail with practical engineering to create structures that are visually impactful, adaptable and built for real-world use.
For CAVALLUNA, the result is an entrance that captures attention, supports the narrative and elevates the audience’s experience from the very first moment.
If you’re planning a live event, touring production or brand activation, we can help you design and deliver large-scale inflatable installations that balance creativity with practicality.
From concept and design through to production and installation, we work closely with our clients to bring ambitious ideas to life and ensure they perform in real-world environments.
Get in touch with our team to start your next project.
At Air Artists, we focus on creating installations that shape how audiences experience a space from the very beginning. For our collaboration with CAVALLUNA, the internationally touring horse show, the brief was to design an entrance that would immediately transport visitors into the world of the performance.
We created a 21 metre wide hand-painted inflatable rock gateway that transforms each arena into a mythical landscape as soon as audiences arrive. Rather than acting as a simple entry point, the structure works as a visual threshold, setting expectations and signalling that what lies beyond is something far removed from the everyday.
Air Artists worked with the talented artist duo, The Cameron Twins, to create a giant three-headed poodle as a custom inflatable sculpture—showcasing the impact of inflatable art, bespoke inflatables and large-scale inflatable installations.
Installed at Protein Studios the piece transformed a 2D illustration into a bold inflatable art installation, becoming a standout feature of the exhibition.
At Air Artists, we specialise in creating bespoke inflatables that transform live performances into unforgettable experiences. For the Scissor Sisters’ inflatable, created as part of their reunion and summer tour, our team designed something bold, playful and impossible to miss: a giant pair of iridescent inflatable scissors that dominated the stage.
When YUNGBLUD appeared at BLUDFEST, his presence extended far beyond the music. A towering inflatable character stood beside the stage, eyes wide, hair ablaze, wrapped in stylised flames and flanked by a skeletal figure. Hand-painted and impossible to ignore, it did more than decorate the space. It helped define the show’s atmosphere before a single note played.
This is how modern inflatables are redefining concert tour stage design. Lightweight, expressive and instantly iconic, they offer touring artists, creative directors and production teams an agile tool for building visual identity and emotional tone. For this project, Air Artists was tasked with creating a one-of-a-kind centrepiece that captured YUNGBLUD’s world in physical form.
When Netflix approached Air Artists to create a striking centrepiece for the launch of Squid Game Series 3, the result was a one-off installation that turned heads across Newcastle’s Quayside. Rather than producing repeatable designs, each inflatable was crafted as a bespoke artwork, made once for a single client and event.
Air Artists, renowned for their transformative approach to inflatable art, recently unveiled a striking 5-metre inflatable Samurai. What sets this piece apart from typical inflatable creations is its meticulous attention to detail, particularly the face—so realistic it challenges viewers to question whether it is, indeed, an inflatable. This masterpiece is part of Air Artists’ broader vision: to push the boundaries of inflatable art, creating sculptures so lifelike they appear to transcend their medium. The inflatable Samurai will be showcased as part of stage set designs for concerts, theatres, festivals, and more, highlighting the incredible versatility of inflatable art.
Air Artists was born in 1976 by Rob Harries in a unique time where very few people knew much about inflatables.
Large-scale creative environments are evolving, and inflatable art installations are at the forefront of this shift. As artists and creative directors look for new ways to transform space, we’re seeing a growing demand for large-scale inflatable art that goes beyond static sculpture and becomes fully immersive. At Air Artists, we work closely with artists, curators, and production […]
...When the Mongolian rock band The HU takes the stage, their performance is about more than just music. It’s a full-scale spectacle of sound, movement and visual drama. When their creative team approached Air Artists to design inflatable artwork with striking detail, the inflatables had to reflect the same epic energy and cultural force that […]
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