Wentworth Falls sculptor Terrance Plowright has been producing iconic, often award-winning major works for decades but regards 2013 as his best year in terms of achievement and recognition as an Australian artist.
Not only was the prolific artist recently announced as Australia’s representative in the prestigious Florence Biennale that will take centre stage in the art world this November, but last month was announced winner of the McClelland Sculpture Survey People’s Choice Award for his interactive ‘Soundscape’ sculpture entry.
The McClelland Survey is regarded as Australia’s most prestigious sculptural exhibition and was attended by more than 70,000 people, attracting a record voter turnout for the People’s Choice Award.
Mr Plowright said winning the most number of votes in the McClelland Survey is a personal career highlight.
“I consider winning this award as even more prestigious than being selected for the Florence Biennale, which of course is a wonderful honour,” Mr Plowright said.
McClelland Gallery director Robert Lindsay said Mr Plowright’s entry was “a clear winner and exceptionally popular.
“The work surprises you as you walk through the forest gallery with an enormous explosion of pipes, then Tibetan bells gently ring out followed by a cello.”
The 4.5 metre high sculpture made of stainless steel tubes is fitted with three five-inch speakers placed strategically within the top pipe and and sounds are played whenever movement or contact from observers is detected by sensors.
Mr Plowright said he was inspired by the magnificent pipe organs of Europe and the simple but elegant Egyptian pan flute.
The soundscape was created using a Nepalese singing bowl, small bells, a cymbal and a cello.
When a hand passes over one of the ultrasonic sensors, other instrumental sounds become interwoven within the soundscape and are arranged to harmonise.
Mr Plowright said he will take three of his steel sculptures to the Florence Biennale.
“As a sculptor, you can’t get a better place to exhibit your work than in the great outdoors in the heart of Florence’s old city centre — it is very exciting.”
To see more of Mr Plowright’s work, visit www.plowright.com.au.
