On Friday, I spent the morning taking in the sights (and sounds) of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2017. This year the SWELL Sculpture Festival celebrates it’s 15th year. The first SWELL Sculpture Festival was held over a weekend in September 2003 and attracted around 6000 visitors.
Fast forward to 2017 and the SWELL Sculpture Festival now runs for two weeks and attracts around 265,000 visitors.
One thing that has not changed in the last 15 years is the fabulous location of Currumbin Beach. It really is the most stunning backdrop to display these works of art. Some pieces are displayed on the beach, some on rocks at either end of the beach and some sit in the grass area along the side of the footpath.
Once again many of the pieces are thought provoking, some are humorous and a few are just plain weird! But with 50 artists exhibiting this year, there is sure to be something to please everyone.
So here is a look at my personal favourites from the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2017.
THE HUNTRESS BY SEAN WILLIAMS
This was easily my favourite piece. Depiciting a Black Dragonfish it was intricate in it’s design and featured coloured LED lights and ‘razor sharp’ polished metal teeth. It really did look like it was swimming through the water.
The artist won the Jennie Neumann OAM Emerging Artist Award and I can see why. I loved it.
THESE HANDS BY MICHAEL VAN DAM
Perched high on top of Elephant Rock, ‘These Hands’ can be seen as you round the corner at the northern end of Currumbin Beach. They really are a stand-out feature of this years Festival.
Made out of marine grade stainless steel chain, each link has been welded together to make a pair of hands clasped together. Van Dam won the Swell Sculpture Festival Emerging Artist Award in 2013 and this year won the Artist Peer Award.
SAFE BY CLAYTON THOMPSON
What a concept! I would never think to make a giant ‘boot’ sculpture out of red pool noodles. But you know what? It works. Each noodle is folded through a wire frame. You can walk inside the toe of the sculpture and when you look up you can see the blue sky surrounded by red.
The artist drew on his experiences as a Domestic Violence counsellor to create the artwork and it is meant to symbolise a ‘Safe House’ for those affected by domestic violence.
Regardless of the meaning I thought it was a very clever concept and certainly very eye catching.
CAPTAIN GOODVIBES THE PIG OF STEEL BY JOE STARK
Captain Goodvibes was a cartoon character originally created by Tony Edwards in the 1970’s for surf magazine ‘Tracks’. He became something of a cult hero and artist Joe Stark celebrates that with this cheeky sculpture.
Aussies have a great sense of humour and don’t mind poking fun at themselves and that is what I think the artist has done with this piece. From his rotund tummy, to his unusual ‘manly bits’ (its a tap and two bells) to the giant reefer in his mouth, this sculpture is all about fun.
This years SWELL Sculpture Festival runs until 17th September and there are no cover charges. But a program will cost $5.00. So why not pack a picnic and head to Currumbin Beach for the day. You can find more information on the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2017 HERE.
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Thanks Mel for sharing this post. i have only been to Sculptures By The Sea in Sydney once and loved it. I have heard a number of people talk about this sculpture display at Currumbin. It is obviously popular, as people are talking about it. The beach is a perfect space for people to meet the arts. If I were in the area I would visit. My favourite, from your photos, is the one of the hands. 🙂
I would love to go to the Sculptures by the Sea in Sydney. Will have to add it to my extensive list!