For the eighth edition of the Subi Blooms x Gather Festival this May, acclaimed Australian artist Matthew Aberline has been announced as the headliner.
Subiaco’s signature and award-winning floral festival will reach new heights with Aberline’s installation ‘The Light Within.’ The work features a landscape of giant, inflatable floral-patterned lanterns which will light up at night, set to open ahead of the Blooms festival from Friday, April 17, to Sunday, 10 May (Mother’s Day), at Market Square Park.
Originally showcased at Singapore’s iLight Festival and the Glow Festival in Shenzhen, China, the installation has been described by Aberline as being designed to reconnect audiences with their inner sense of wonder.
“The work is about drawing people away from their screens and devices and inviting them into this genuinely beautiful, vibrant space – filled with the most gorgeous colours and patterns,” says Aberline.
Subi Blooms x Gather will transform Subiaco with its boldest program yet over Mother’s Day Weekend, Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10. Curated by Gather, led by florists Rebecca Const and Lara Rose, the 2026 installation will present more than 14 installations across the town centre, turning Subiaco into a vibrant destination of botanical artistry.
Inspired by this year’s theme of Flora Aurora, the festival extends into the evening with select installations illuminated at night. Aberline’s installation signals a new chapter for the festival, in which visitors can expect expressive florals that play with shadow and light for an after-dark experience.
‘The Light Within’ will be displayed at Market Square Park, Subiaco from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, May 10.
