Sculpture by the Sea
Australia's most striking public art festival gives new meaning to "art on the edge"
By Sarah Norris
For over two weeks, the rugged Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk will
be transformed into a sculptural wonderland dotted with over 100
artworks from 15 countries - a real collision of arts and the outdoors.
"It's relaxed Sydney meets healthy Sydney meets cultured Sydney," says
exhibition director, David Handley.
This year, five artists will
join the 'Decade Club', created to acknowledge those who have exhibited
on the coastal walk ten times. "They are not only good artists but they
got behind the show right at the start, which meant that even in the
exhibition's infancy we had a really good sculptures for everyone to
enjoy," says Handley.
And this year you can even take one home. A second Sculpture Inside space has been set up in Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club (adding to the Bondi Pavilion), where all the pieces are for sale. "Sculpture Inside is a great way for people to start collecting sculpture - those who
thought they couldn't afford it or don't have space for one of the
outdoor pieces."
Art-spotting can be hungry work (especially up
and down the coastal trail) so each weekend during the exhibition the
Icebergs courtyard will throw a BBQ by the Sea, with food by chefs from
Bronte's Swell and Bonsai restaurants.
Drawing over half a million
visitors, the exhibition, which is now in its 12th year, will follow
daylight saving's lead and start a couple weeks early on Thursday 16
Oct.
Sculpture By The Sea runs 16 Oct - 2 Nov on the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama beach.