The most interactive finalists’ field in the history of the $20,000 Sculpture at Scenic World exhibition has been announced with 29 works selected to contest the 2016 prize.
Scenic World has been supporting sculpture for five years – raising the profile of the art form and artists from across the country and internationally – significantly boosting art culture in the region while partnering with the Blue Mountains arts community to raise the profile of regional artists and galleries.
Congratulating the successful entrants, Scenic World’s joint managing director, David Hammon, said the Sculpture Prize is about opening up prospects for artists to exhibit in an unusual and special environment.
“We’re really proud of the success of the sculpture exhibition and how it ties in with local community activities and encourages people to explore our region while enjoying world-class art in a pretty special setting,” Mr Hammon said.
Going through a rigorous competitive review process, the final 29 works were selected by Dr Felicity Fenner, the director of UNSW Galleries and renowned curator of contemporary art; Michael Snelling, director of the National Art School; and Claire Healy, visual artist and founding member of the Imperial Slacks artist-run initiative.
More than 500 artists have entered Sculpture at Scenic World since its launch in 2011, giving rise to works that have been celebrated by some of the country’s most renowned curators, arts educators and artists.
This year, entries were received from Slovenia, Iran, New Zealand, Japan, Finland, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales.
Scenic World’s sculpture exhibition manager Justin Morrissey said: “Each year we receive such a wide selection of submissions which showcase a broad range of talent, and this year the exhibition will offer audiences a more interactive experience through a diverse array of sculpture and installation.
“Through their installation in the Jurassic rainforest here at Scenic World, our visitors will see works in a way no other location can present them,” he said. “In 2016, exhibiting artists will also present small scale works for Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.”
The winner of the $20,000 Scenic World Major Award and others will be announced on the exhibition’s opening day on April 8, 2016, with the exhibition running for four weeks until May 8.
The 2016 artists include Blue Mountains artists Emily Kaar, Kevina-Jo Smith, Ian Swift, Vena Vandora, and Kayo Yokoyama.
To find out more information visit www.scenicworld.com.au/sculpture.
