SCULPTURE BY THE SEA RETURNS TO COTTESLOE
Jason Hirst, ‘Kiss Me’ Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2023. Photo: Michael Goh
It is one of WA’s most iconic arts events with this year’s Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe featuring 71 pieces displayed around the sea wall, along the beach and on the surrounding grassy areas of Marine Parade, with many installations utilising or drawing inspiration from their surroundings.
As a major partner of Sculpture by the Sea, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation gave a considerable donation to this year’s exhibition, which also incorporated an array of events, access options and guided tours for people with special needs.
Visitors to this year’s exhibition may have recognised the familiar influence of local marine life on the displays, with sculptures depicting crabs, turtles, whales and even the fin of a great white shark.
Those viewing the exhibition after sunset witnessed a beam of light projected from the end of the Cottesloe groin over two kilometres into the night sky as part of an installation by Japanese sculptor Takeshi Tanabe.
Many exhibiting artists are based in Western Australia, making the event an opportunity to share the state’s unique culture and artistic heritage with thousands of local, interstate, and international visitors.
These included “tactile tours” for visitors with seeing impairments, Auslan interpreting for the launch and closing ceremony, and the installation of special matting to allow those with impaired mobility to access the sculptures on the beach.
Since 2018, Sculpture by the Sea has also developed a school outreach program that sees exhibiting artists visit schools in Perth and regional WA to conduct workshops encouraging students to develop their artistic imagination and skills.
Takeshi Tanabe, ‘Between Sky and Earth (ExchangingMessages)’ Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2023. Photo: Richard Watson
Bruno Catalano, ‘Benoit’, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2023. Photo: Martine Perret
Published: April 2023