Sculpture by the Sea, the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition, is back in Sydney until November 2 for its 30th anniversary.
Founded by David Handley as a one-day event in 1997, it has since grown into a major cultural fixture, attracting more than 12 million visitors.
“It was intended to be a gift to the people of Sydney and add to the sense of community,” says David.
This year’s exhibition stretches for 2km along the coast from Bondi to Tamarama and features more than 100 works by artists from Australia and around the world, set against the backdrop of Sydney’s spectacular coastline.
“It brings us joy, makes us laugh and makes us reflect,” says Allegra Spender, Federal Member for Wentworth.
Keep an eye out for Surface Breach by Andre Braun, a striking white hand that appears to push its way out of the rugged rocks, as though something is reaching up from beneath the earth. Another personal favourite is The Guardians by Ulan and Rachel, a sculptural tree with long, dangling roots that catch the sunlight and create an almost otherworldly silhouette. Then there’s Judy Witherdin’s Phatyma, a riot of multicoloured mosaic that brings a vivid splash of colour to the coastal landscape.
While many works spark joy and laughter, others invite us to stop, pause and reflect. Love by Stephanie Quirk is an aerial skywriting artwork created in response to the community following the tragic December 14 Bondi attack. Four times during the exhibition, the word ‘Love’ will be written across the sky above Bondi Beach, offering a powerful message of connection and solidarity.
Sweethearts by Philippa Lysaght and Omi McCurdie uses dozens of pastel-coloured hearts etched with phrases often used to excuse, minimise or ignore violence, delivering a confronting tribute to women killed by domestic violence in Australia this year. The work is intended to shock.
The exhibition welcomes people with a range of accessibility needs, with free private tours available for people with disability.
Sculpture by the Sea is on now until November 2. BYO sunnies.
Looking for somewhere special for lunch post-browse? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Bondi, or keep walking along the coastpath to Bronte for a very special meal at neighbourhood fave, Table Manners.
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