Renowned Katoomba artist, Stephen Short, is set to exhibit his artwork Washed Out as part of the stunning outdoor art gallery on the Gold Coast.
Short will be one of 55 artists presenting at the 2019 SWELL Sculpture Festival from September 13 - 22.
"Over the last six months, I have been developing a simple concept, utilising laundry baskets, to construct a large dome like structure resembling that of a Washed Out and bleached coral formation," he told the Gazette.
"These baskets have allowed me to explore themes of bubbles, whirlpool, foam, white wash etc, all elements of the sea."
For the past ten years, Short has been living and working as a sculptor in Katoomba. He utilises materials found from industry waste to ordinary household objects. By finding multiples of these identical shapes, he finds new geometric and abstract forms, inspired by patterns evident in nature.
Short's latest work Washed Out uses the baskets to create a large, almost spherical shape, resembling stark white bleached coral, buried in the sand. At night it breathes life with the use of mirrored panels and coloured lights to make us reflect on how corals really should before being Washed Out.
"This is my first time entering and is certainly a career highlight. I'm excited to see my work nestled in the dunes and lit up at night as each basket contains a solar coloured light, where I will hope the viewer will reflect on what was once filled with light and colour, now washed away."
Now in its 17th year, SWELL Sculpture Festival is Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition and will feature more than 55 unique works of art along the 1km foreshore between the iconic Currumbin and Elephant rocks, both of which will be adorned with sculpture.
Artists at this year's festival are in the running to share $27,500 in prize money, with the major winner to take home $15,000 in cash.
This year's award categories include the SWELL Sculpture Award, Emerging Artist Award, Environmental Awareness Award, Artist Peer Award (voted for by artists), and the People's Choice, Kids' Choice and SWELL Smalls Gallery People's Choice awards (all voted for by exhibition visitors).
More than $62,000 in artist subsidies will also be distributed to help creatives deliver their sculptures.
SWELL has grown into an internationally acclaimed cultural attraction that continues to captivate art lovers, beachgoers, families and visitors alike. See: www.swellsculpture.com.au.
Short's work is not yet available locally but he also has a piece in Canberra at the City West Development complex.
