Sculpture by the Sea, now in its 19th year, has become an Australian institution.
The 2015 Bondi event opened yesterday, on one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal walkways, between world-famous Bondi Beach and Tamarama.
The exhibition attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, who are treated to over 100 sculptures scattered along the 2 kilometres stretch of coastline and in Marks Park, at Mackenzies Point.
Sculpture by the Sea is the largest annual outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world, and it brings this spectacular art form to the people in an exquisite seaside setting.
Make sure you set aside some time this year to take the family down to Bondi and visit this outstanding exhibition. And while you are there, why not cast your vote in the Allens’ People’s Choice Prize!
My previous favourite winners of this prize
- Breaching, by Michael Greve in 2014;
- Horizon, by Lucy Humphrey in 2013;
- I have been dreaming to be a tree … II, by Byeong Doo Moon in 2011; and
- Hot with a chance of a late storm, by The Glue Society in 2006.
My Sculpture by the Sea tips
- If at all possible, visit during the week. You will not just avoid the weekend crowds, but also the sweaty, try-hard weekend joggers, who just refuse to give up, even with such a major public event taking over the walkway.
- Unless you live near enough just to wonder down, get public transport, a taxi or Uber to get there and back, especially on the weekends, because parking can be scarce around Bondi Beach – unless you are brave enough to try your luck around the more residential Tamarama area, and do a reverse walk.
- In my experience a morning or late afternoon visit is the best, to avoid the heat. It is advisable to wear a hat and slap on some sunscreen, or wear sensible, light clothing that provides appropriate cover. Sunglasses are a must!
- You should allow yourself at least 2-3 hours to be able to fully take in, and enjoy the exhibition, at a comfortable pace.
- Do wear sensible footwear – it’s a coastal walk with some uneven surfaces and stairs, and some sculptures are best enjoyed at Tamarama by walking onto the sand.
- If you want to turn your visit into an experience of a lifetime, book a table for lunch or dinner at Icebergs, following your walk – we usually time our visit to Sculpture by the Sea pre-lunch or pre-dinner, and end on a leisurely long lunch, or a sunset dinner.
- Psst! The sculptures are for sale …
The exhibition runs until Sunday, 8 November 2015.
The Vue Post 