Sculpture by the Sea Has Returned For Its 26th Year in Bondi

Sydney’s iconic outdoor art exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, has returns for its 26th year, featuring over 100 sculptures set against Bondi’s stunning coastal backdrop.

Opening this weekend, the exhibition transforms the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk into a 2km sculpture park. 

Sculpture by the Sea is the world’s largest free public sculpture exhibition, displaying artworks by Australian and international artists. 

This year, over 100 artworks will line the 2 km coastal walk, creating a stunning outdoor gallery along the Bondi to Tamarama stretch. Thousands are expected to attend over the 18 days the art festival is open.

Professor Shen Lieyi wins acclaimed $100 000 Aqualand Sculpture Award

Acclaimed Chinese artist Shen Lieyi has been awarded the prestigious $100,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award for his sculpture titled “Tracing”. 

In honour of its 10th anniversary and the completion of the new residential precinct, AURA by Aqualand in North Sydney, Aqualand has increased the award’s value from $70,000 to $100,000 this year.

Professor Shen Lieyi’s winning sculpture, “Tracing,” is an abstract work crafted from bronze and granite. Standing three metres tall, the piece features an upturned tree root embedded in a slab of polished stone.

Selected by the exhibition’s Judging Panel, the Aqualand Sculpture Award sees the winning sculpture donated by Aqualand for permanent public display.

Drawing inspiration from the flow of water and the challenges of life, the sculpture symbolises resilience and the passage of time.’

Lieyi explores the metaphor of resisting the current or swimming upstream in his work.

“I’ve always tried to integrate Eastern wisdom and thinking into my creations, and the acceptance of my works by Australians and tourists has inspired me,” the professor said in a statement accepting the prize.

“With the help of art, we can share different ideas and thoughts in public spaces, which I believe is the most fascinating aspect of art. A sculpture is not complete until it is seen by the public,” he said. 

Sculpture by the Sea People’s Choice Awards

Visitors are encouraged to cast their vote for the Allens People’s Choice Award, allowing them to choose their favourite sculpture. 

The winning artist will receive a $5,000 prize, with the announcement made on the final weekend of the exhibition. Voters also have the chance to win one of three Sculpture by the Sea prize packs, each valued at $500.

Sculpture by the Sea runs from October 18 to November 4.