15 years ago we set out to create a unique showcase for small sculptures. The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize is now an internationally recognised competition that is enjoyed by the arts community, local residents, school students and visitors from all over the world.
On their own, these works are small in size. Collectively, they represent a much larger opportunity for us to host an exhibition that brings people together to celebrate some of the best contemporary art in the world.
Today you have the chance to view the work of 43 finalists selected from a record number of 701 entries by two of the 2015 guest judges – art advisor and curator, Barbara Flynn, along with collector and philanthropist, Penelope Seidler AM. The works show innovation and diversity in their take on an original, freestanding sculpture measuring up to 80cm in any dimension. Our third guest judge for this year, Art Gallery of NSW Director, Dr. Michael Brand, helped select the winning entries.
This year’s finalists include well-known artists such as Guan Wei, Robert Owen, John Nicholson, Kathy Temin and Stephen Bird who will be exhibited alongside emerging artists. The works feature a range of mediums including: taxidermy, intricately folded paper works, found objects and traditional woven sculptures created by Tjanpi Desert Weavers. The works address political, social, personal and playful themes and are of a high standard.
We are exceedingly grateful to the corporate and personal sponsors and supporters of this year’s Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize. By partnering with us they are demonstrating commitment in sharing the value of creativity, art and culture within our local community.
I hope the finalists’ work will delight you, intrigue you, challenge you and hopefully inspire you, as they do me. If you have a favourite please cast your vote for the Viewers’ Choice Award at the exhibition or online. If you have an even stronger connection to one of the works, remember they are on sale.
A lot of hard work from staff and volunteers, teamed with excellent advice from art industry representatives (represented on the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize Committee) and the support of our sponsors, has helped the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize to grow in prominence each year. I am so proud of our continued development of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize.
I particularly would like to thank the chair of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize Committee, Councillor Anthony Marano.
If you like what you see, please tell your family and friends. Free workshops, talks and activities for adults and children complement the exhibition. For more information and bookings, visit sculptureprize.woollahra.nsw.gov.au.
I hope you enjoy the exhibition.
Councillor Toni Zeltzer
Mayor of Woollahra
Titania Henderson
Embracing form and void, translucency and opacity, line and light, my sculptural practice is characterised by the pursuit of pure perception. Where my previous exclusively bone china configurations poignantly resonate with the vulnerability of life, the present configurations incorporate bronze to explore strength and solidarity, and thereby encourage meditations upon community, culture and the landscape.
TITANIA HENDERSON 