A giant inflatable turtle, a shining diamond forgotten in the sands, and oversized Scrabble tiles spelling a word that resonates with the iconic location itself are just a few highlights of this year’s internationally acclaimed SWELL Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast.
Now in its fourteenth year, SWELL Sculpture Festival transforms the golden sands of Currumbin Beach into a vibrant outdoor gallery, showcasing interactive, engaging and incredibly thought-provoking sculptures from 55 Australian and international artists, including sculptors from Colombia and New Zealand.
More than 250,000 visitors are expected to engage with this year’s outstanding selection of art, such as a 10.5m wide giant inflatable turtle, oversized Scrabble words created from recycled timbers, and three 1.6m masquerade masks made from stainless steel chain. Other impressive standout sculptures include a colony of 100, 2m high ants made from galvanised wire, beach deck chairs that stand 5m high, and a large pearl necklace that is 5m wide, created from stainless steel and LED lighting.
The SWELL Sculpture Festival has cemented itself as the region’s most significant and most loved arts event, showcasing the work of local, national and international artists alongside an exciting program of live entertainment, workshops, kids’ activities, performance art, artist talks, yoga experiences and more.
Visitors will have the opportunity to get creative with a number of exciting Master Classes and Workshops, suiting a range of ages. Artist Velvet Pesu will inspire children to imagine, design and create their very own unique and colourful woven creature. These sculptural artefacts will be interwoven from a vast array of vibrant colours and recycled textures.
Back by popular demand, crowd favourite Monte Lupo has designed a very special Master Class for 2016. Inspired by their colourful and quirky ceramic sculptures exhibited in the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to sculpt their very own pooch!
Encounter the beauty of sculpture as the soft glowing light of twilight transforms the SWELL Sculpture Festival landscape. Embark on an artistic journey with guest curators as they guide and enlighten you. Discover more, engage in exciting conversations and indulge in the visual splendor.
Experience something different with an hour of reflection through the practice of yoga and mediation providing a time to become aware of your creative core and admire the artistic inspiration that surrounds us. This calming movement hosted by Be Free Yoga (Thursday 15 September) is a salute to all those sculptors whose works stand before us and inspire an imaginative future.
“Each year, we are proud to present a unique, outdoor exhibition connecting people, art and place with the intention to inspire our audience with the diversity and quality of the works displayed, which range from whimsical and fun-spirited to pieces carrying a serious message of conservation,” says Natasha Edwards, SWELL Sculpture Festival director and curator.
The 2016 SWELL Sculpture Festival continues to Sunday 18 September. For more information, visit: www.swellsculpture.com.au for details.
Image: Winner of the 2016 SWELL Sculpture Award, Alicia Lane, Rainforest Remnants – photo by Rowly Emmett