Whaling Walls
In 2008, twenty-seven years after Wyland’s quest began, the artist and the Wyland Foundation completed the monumental goal of painting 100 life-size public marine murals. These murals were painted in life-size dimensions to increase appreciation and understanding for aquatic habitats and the life within. Perhaps, most importantly, they have reshaped attitudes about marine life conservation.
“We know now that water connects all the countries of the world,” Wyland says. “Our goal with these projects over the last three decades has been to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public. The health of our ocean and waterways are in jeopardy, not to mention the thousands of marine animals and plants that face extinction if we do nothing.”
The completed Whaling Wall campaign is one of the largest art-in-public-places projects in history, spanning five continents, 13 countries, and 79 cities around the globe
Click on the thumbnails to view the each gallery:
WW 01 “Gray Whale and Calf”
3 Images
WW 02 “Young Gray Whale”
1 Images
Ocean Institute
Dana Point, California
(Relocated to R.H. Dana Elementary)
45 Feet Long x 10 Feet High
Dedicated March 20th, 1982
By Bill Toomey,Olympic Decathlon
WW 03 “Spyhopping”
1 Images
EXTINCT
Marineland
Ranch Palos Verdes, California
20 Feet Long x 30 Feet High
Dedicated June 27th, 1984
By Cleveland Armory, Fund For Animals
WW 04 “The Gray Whale Family”
1 Images
Whiterock, BC, Canada
70 Feet Long x 30 Feet High
Dedicated September 26th, 1984
By Gordon Hogg, Mayor of Whiterock
WW 05 “The Orcas of Puget Sound”
1 Images
EXTINCT
Seattle, Washington
140 Feet Long x 50 Feet High
Dedicated November 10th, 1985
By Ivar Haglund, Seattle Port Manager
WW 06 “Hawaiian Humpbacks”
2 Images
EXTINCT
Honolulu, Hawaii
(Recreated at: Pacifica Airport Center
3049 Ualena Street, Honolulu, Hawaii)
(Original) - 300 Feet Long x 20 Stories High
Dedicated April 21st, 1985
By Russ Francis, San Francisco 49ers
(Recreation) - 235 Feet Long x 151 Feet High
Dedicated December 15, 1999
By Governor Ben Cayetano
WW 07 “California Gray Whales”
1 Images
EXTINCT
Del Mar, California
100 Feet Long x 16 Feet High
Dedicated July 6th, 1985
By Glenn Frey, Eagles Singer/Songwriter
WW 08 “Orcas”
1 Images
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
130 Feet Long x 70 Feet High
Dedicated September 10th, 1985
By Michael Harcourt, Mayor of Vancouver
WW 09 “First Voyage”
1 Images
Polynesian Cultural Center
Oahu, Hawaii
130 Feet Long
Dedicated February 4th, 1986
By John Hillerman, Actor
WW 10 “Manatees”
1 Images
Orlando International Airport
Orlando, Florida
14 Feet Long x 8 Feet High
Dedicated in 1986
By Jimmy Buffet, Singer
WW 11 “First Born”
1 Images
Renaissance Orlando Resort
6677 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, Florida
(Moved from Sea World)
30 Feet Long x 12 Feet High
Dedicated September 26th, 1986
By Bill Evans, Washington D.C.
WW 12 “Laguna Coast”
1 Images
2171 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, California
20 Feet Long x 24 Feet High
Dedicated February 2nd, 1987
By Darlene Wyland, Artist’s Mother, Tiled 1996
WW 13 “A-5 Pod”
1 Images
WW13 Victoria, BC, Canada
130 Feet Long x 7 Stories High
In Memory of Robin Morton
Dedicated June 20th, 1987
By Robert Bateman, Artist
WW 14 “Sperm Whales”
1 Images
Funabashi, Japan
140 Feet Long x 18 Feet High
Dedicated October 14th, 1987
By Dr. Goro Tomenaga, Mr. Ono-Pres.
of Tokyo Bay Fishing Council, &
Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University
WW 15 “Dolphins of Makapuu Point”
1 Images
Sealife Park, Oahu, Hawaii
24 Feet Long x 30 Feet High
Dedicated in 1988
by Henry Kapono, Singer/Songwriter
WW 16 “Orcas off Point Loma”
1 Images
The Plunge, Mission Beach
San Diego, California
140 Feet Long x 40 Feet High
Dedicated June 29th, 1989
By Bob Gault, President, Sea World
WW 17 “Bottlenose Dolphins”
1 Images
Stored in Osaka, Japan
20 Feet Long x 30 Feet High
Originally done for a 24 hour
televised telethon in Tokyo, Japan
Dedicated August 27th, 1989
By Mr. Toshita & Kent Fabulous
WW 18 “Sperm Whales of the Mediterranean”
1 Images
Nice, France
42 Feet Long x 120 Feet High
Dedicated October 1989
By France Gov. Official
WW 19 “Forbidden Reef”
1 Images
EXTINCT
90 Feet Long x 14 Feet High
Dedicated July 9th, 1990
By Michael Peak, Author
WW 20 “Gray Whale Migration”
1 Images
EXTINCT
Sea World San Diego, California
80 Feet Long x 15 Feet High
Dedicated July 9th, 1990
By Bob Gault, President, Sea World
WW 21 “Washington Orcas”
1 Images
Tacoma, Washington
120 Feet Long x 45 Feet High
Dedicated July, 1990
By Tacoma Mayor, Karen Vialle
WW 22 “Orca Heaven” (Ceiling)
1 Images
Yamagata, Japan
145 Feet Long x 45 Feet High
Dedicated in 1990 By Mr. Kawaada, President Sun Marina
WW 23 “Bundaberg Humpback Family”
1 Images
Bundaberg, Australia
125 Feet Long x 95 Feet High
Dedicated September 28th, 1990
By John Nielsen
WW 24 “Humpback and Calf”
1 Images
Sydney Aquarium, Australia
Sydney,
90 Feet Long x 35 Feet High
Dedicated September 28th, 1990
By Jim Longley, Parliament New South Wales
WW 25 “Humpbacks”
1 Images
Lamphere High School
Detroit, Michigan
110 Feet Long x 15 Feet High
Dedicated October 8th, 1990
By James McCann, Superintendent-Lamphere School District
100 Whaling Walls Intro
Watch the VideoIn the world of art, nothing compares to the size, scope, and majesty of Wyland's "Whaling Walls." Spanning the sides of skyscrapers, sports arenas, and structures throughout the world, these landmark public murals have captured the imagination of millions and helped inspire a new generation to become better stewards for our environment. Hosted by Pierce Brosnan, Wyland: One Hundred Whaling Walls tells the story of this epic campaign, from humble beginnings nearly thirty years ago to the final, all-encompassing project of the Beijing Olympic Festival. Through original video footage and photographs, you will get an up-close look at all one hundred murals and one man's dream to change the landscape of art - and to create a gentle reminder to communities around the world that everyone, everywhere can make a difference.
