A sculptured walk by the ocean

BY JEREMY BROWN

Sydney’s 12th annual Sculpture by the Sea from October 16 to November 2 was one again a huge success. 

The event offered Sydney the chance to see exciting, controversial, surrealistic and beautiful world-class sculptures, ranging in size from a few centimetres to huge installations perched on the cliff edge.

More than 100 artworks, created by artists from Australia and around the world, were on display for the estimated 500,000 visitors who enjoyed the sculpture walk that begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach near the Bondi Icebergs and continues to Tamarama along a 2-kilometre paved path with steps and handrails perched on the face of the high sandstone cliff tops. 

The 106 sculptures on show this year were drawn from a pool of 475 artworks submitted.

The range of scale and materials was very diverse, with sculptures that ranged from frivolous and delightful to ponderous and full of subtle meaning. Some blended into the sandstone rock faces or windblown caves, while others stood out in vivid contrast.

Sculpture by the Sea is now renowned internationally but it began as a one-day exhibition with 64 sculptures in 1997, the brainchild of director David Handley.

In 2009, under the patronage of the Crown Prince and Princess, the city of Aarhus in Denmark will host the first international outing of Sculpture by the Sea.  Many Australians will be involved, both on the team and exhibiting.

For information, visit www.sculpturebythesea.com