Crouching Sculpture, Hidden Talents
The inspiration for Sculpture by the Sea came from a burning desire to stage a major free public event, founding director David Handley said.
“I had a real sense that the world was too commercial, and that we needed more free things. And a real disappointment with how rock and roll had been ruined by becoming an industry.
“I also love the fact that so many artists are dreamers; there are not a lot of dreamers. And I love the idea of helping to facilitate those dreams.”
In the early 1990s, Mr Handley quit being a lawyer and moved to Prague, where he says he “got” sculpture: “the drama, the theatricality, and the ability of sculpture to transform a space”.
When Mr Handley proposed the idea of a seaside exhibition to Waverley Council, they offered in-principle support within 48 hours.
In its first year, with a crew of volunteers and a $400 marketing budget, Sculpture managed to attract 25,000 people to a one-day-only show.
“It became four days the next year, nine days the year after, and in 2001 we went to three weeks,” Mr Handley said.
In 2005, Sculpture opened at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, and in 2009 it began a biennial exhibition in the Danish city of Aarhus.
The Bondi event continues to attract new talent and new fans. “This year there are 20 or so artists who have never exhibited with us before,” Mr Handley said. “For a number of artists, Sculpture is a focal point of their career.”
This year’s winner of the prestigious Balnaves Foundation sculpture prize is Hunter Valley artist Paul Selwood. His work paradiegma metaphysic, a large painted steel abstract, is on display in Marks Park as part of the 15th annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibit.
The event’s director said that Mr Selwood’s recognition was well-deserved after decades of work.
“He is someone who has worked quietly and magnificently for many years. Most of his career, there was no engagement by the Australian public with sculpture, and now it’s happening on a massive scale,” he said.
An established event on the Sydney calendar, Sculpture attracts entrants and visitors from across the country and the globe. But it is also a proud community event for locals.
“We’re transforming one of [Bondi’s] spectacular spots. The local schools come and visit, local businesses benefit hugely, and a lot of those businesses give back.”
The Bondi Trattoria hosted an artists’ breakfast last week and will donate a $500 prize to this year’s most popular sculptor, while the Swiss Grand has donated 25 rooms for visiting artists.
Mr Handley himself lives in Tamarama and has been on an artistic learning curve for fifteen years.
Sculpture by the Sea is open until November 20. After the event, Paul Selwood’s paradiegma metaphysic will be installed in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
By Michael Koziol
