Skywhale grounded after Ballarat winds rip ‘quite big’ gash in balloon sculpture

Artist Patricia Piccinini says she is in absolute shock', while National Gallery of Australia says a dedicated team is working to repair damage

Patricia Piccinini's much-loved Skywhale was grounded in Victoria over the weekend after strong winds in Ballarat ripped a gash in the balloon - but according to the National Gallery of Australia, her wounds are not serious.

The hot-air balloon sculpture has been regularly taking to the skies across Australia, as well as Japan, Ireland and Brazil, for almost a decade. But over the weekend, Skywhale failed to become airborne in Ballarat, after high winds ripped a one-metre gash between its breasts.