In the world of art, sculptures are fascinating works that can be viewed and placed as wonderful masterpieces. This year, that was proved by Victorian artist James Parrett, who was the recipient of the $70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Land award or M-fortysix at the 22nd annual Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. This is a series of exhibitions presented at Bondi, from 18 October – 4 November 2018, and at Cottesloe Beach in Perth from 1 – 18 March 2019.
Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi began in 1997 as a one-day exhibition which was run by volunteers. It featured works by 64 artists, and was attended by 25,000 visitors. Since then, the event has grown to become the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world, featuring numerous esteemed international artists. It is enjoyed by approximately 450,000 visitors over 3 weeks.
The Aqualand Sculpture Land award was increased by Aqualand to $70,000 in 2018, and it is the most generous sculpture award in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as one of the most sought-after awards in the world. Parrett accepted his award with warm and heartfelt gratitude.
“Receiving an award like this is something that I have allowed myself to daydream about from time to time, but never expected to happen! After getting that call from David Handley and having a surreal and giddy sleepless night, I am just so excited and humbled to be the recipient of the Aqualand Sculpture Award. A big thank you to Aqualand for their generosity,” he said.
As tradition goes, the award was selected by a majority decision of the judges. This year’s judging panel included Jennifer Turpin, Artist; Geoffrey Edwards, Curator, Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park & former Director, Geelong Gallery; Clara Hali, Sculptor & Lecturer in Sculpture, National Art School, Sydney.
Parrett has participated multiple times in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. His solo exhibitions include Line and ARC at Gould Gallery (Melbourne), and commissions include The Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
