Trojan Horse- The Climate Wars Sculpture

Queensland sculptor Simone Eisler’s Trojan Horse: The Climate Wars became a striking centrepiece of Curiocity Brisbane 2023. Rising seven metres high and covered in more than 2,000 native plants, the sculpture drew inspiration from the myths of the Trojan Horse and the biblical ark. Positioned on South Bank’s Riverside Green, it stood as a reminder of the need to protect biodiversity in the heart of the city.

To achieve her vision, Eisler needed a material that could deliver strength, flexibility, and visual impact. The sculpture had to be lightweight and modular, allowing for transportation and installation in sections, while also being strong enough to withstand the weight of soil and thousands of living plants. Just as importantly, it needed to capture the look of armour – bright, silver, and battle-ready. Eisler chose aluminium, and Capral’s aluminium played a vital role in bringing the concept to life.

The horse was fabricated in four main pieces: head and neck, chest and shoulders, torso, and rump and tail. Each was built from aluminium so they could be easily lifted and assembled on site. The structure was reinforced to manage the calculated weight of the plants and irrigation, with early prototypes used to test and refine the design. Aluminium’s durability and resistance to corrosion meant the sculpture could withstand the elements, while its lightweight property made it practical for reinstallation at future locations.

In addition to supporting the structure, aluminium made the detailed artistry of the work possible. Using laser cutting, Eisler and the team at Albert Smith Group created armour-like plates across the horse’s body, along with decorative features around the eyes and chest. These details gave the surface depth and texture, while aluminium’s natural shine provided the reflective finish that Eisler imagined. The ability to cut, shape, and finish the metal without risk of rust allowed her to bring the idea of an armoured horse to life, carrying plants and seeds instead of weapons.

The successful delivery of The Climate Wars was the result of close collaboration between Simone Eisler and the Albert Smith Group. Together, they combined creative vision with technical skill, producing a sculpture that worked both as a striking piece of art and as a strong, functional structure.

Set against the backdrop of Brisbane’s skyline, the Trojan Horse invited the public to reflect on the balance between development and nature. With its scale, presence, and living skin, it showed how art can start conversations about the future of our cities. At the core of its success was Capral aluminium – a material that provided the strength, flexibility, and high-quality finish needed to bring Simone Eisler’s vision to life, creating a sculpture that is both enduring and alive