For the nineteenth year, Sculpture by the Sea has returned to the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk in the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition.
One of Sydney’s best attended and most photogenic events, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi attracts more than 500,000 visitors over 18 days and heralds for many the beginning of summer in Sydney. Featuring more than 100 works by Australian and international artists, this year, 18 countries are represented including Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Philippines, Poland , Slovakia , South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA.
Artists on display include: Linda Bowden (NSW); Ron Gomboc (WA); Michael Le Grand (ACT); Mitsuo Takeuchi (Japan); and Jörg Plickat (Germany) – who was announced as the recipient of the Macquarie Group Sculpture Prize for his sculpture, Divided Planet.
The $60,000 acquisitive award is the most generous annual sculpture prize in Australia and provides a considerable boost to the artist’s career. The award-winning sculpture will be installed at Headland Park, Georges Heights Mosman, joining Stephen King’s fallout (2013) and Peter Lundberg’s ring (2014), that were previously gifted by Macquarie Group for permanent public placement.
“Jörg is an outstanding winner and it goes to show persistence pays off, on this his third Sculpture by the Sea appearance,” said Deputy Premier Troy Grant. “The NSW Government is proud to support Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. This event embodies excellence in the arts while incorporating scenery quintessential to Sydney, in one of the greatest displays of public art in Australia.”
Visitors to Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi also have the opportunity to view approximately 250 small sculptures created by each of the exhibiting artists in this year’s show. Located in the marquee in Marks Park, Sculpture Inside provides a deeper insight into each of the artist’s practice by showcasing other smaller works from their studios. It is a great opportunity to purchase your own piece from Sculpture by the Sea while supporting this year’s exhibiting artists.
Love taking photos? Budding photographers will have the chance to win a trip to Perth to become an official photographer for the 12th annual Cottesloe exhibition in March 2016. To take part, all you have to do is capture your favourite moments from Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2015 and post it on Instagram with the hashtag: #sxsmoments
Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi continues to 8 November. For more information, visit: www.sculpturebythesea.com for details.
Image: Jörg Plickat, Divided Planet 2015 – photo by Clyde Yee