Patrol Top Hat and Tales

Artist Statement:

Patrol Tales is a playful homage to the dedicated surf lifesavers who watch over our shores. This exuberant wearable art piece transforms decommissioned patrol shirts into a theatrical “top hat and tales,” reimagining the iconic surf lifesaver uniform in vibrant, performative form.

By shifting a symbol of duty into a costume of spectacle, the work explores themes of visibility, vigilance, and community service, underscored by the familiar high-viz palette of red and yellow. It questions how we recognise and celebrate those who volunteer, while inviting audiences to reflect on the line between serious purpose and spirited play.