Happy Birthday Mr. President

Exhibit Title:
Happy Birthday Mr. President

Exhibition Locations:

• Permanent public installation at Salamanca Square, Battery Point, Hobart TAS 7004

Exhibition Dates:

• Ongoing (Permanent Exhibition)

About the Exhibition:
Blending pop culture with playful introspection, Happy Birthday Mr. President is a striking bronze sculpture by Gillie and Marc that reimagines one of the most iconic moments in celebrity history — with a twist. In this unforgettable artwork, Rabbitwoman, one of the artists’ beloved signature characters, steps into the heels of Marilyn Monroe, captured mid-curtsy in her iconic white dress pose. Across from her, a Paparazzi Dog stands poised to snap the shot — a humorous yet poignant commentary on society’s obsession with fame.

Installed permanently in Hobart’s Salamanca Square, the sculpture brings a fresh and whimsical energy to this historic setting. But beneath its charm lies a deeper message: an invitation to explore themes of self-awareness, personal identity, and the roles we perform in a media-saturated world.

Rabbitwoman, often a symbol of duality and acceptance, transforms into a beacon of feminine power and self-reflection — asking the question, “Am I conscious?” This sculpture, while visually light-hearted, challenges viewers to consider how celebrity, perception, and identity shape our everyday lives.

Through this humorous and thought-provoking fusion of art and pop culture, Happy Birthday Mr. President captures the timeless allure of performance while encouraging us all to reflect on who we truly are.