Swell Sculpture Festival Is On Right Now

From flaming effigies in the Nevada desert to artworks perched atop the cliffs of Bondi, festivals like Burning Man and Sculpture by the Sea give people a chance to experience art outdoors. The Gold Coast’s al fresco exhibition comes in the form of Swell Sculpture Festival. A festival that brings art to the beach, in what is a very unique and very sandy art gallery.

And it’s on right now.

They sum it up pretty well themselves. Swell Sculpture Festival “presents high-quality outdoor art and cultural events, connecting people, art and place”. If you’re having trouble visualising the out-there concept, imagine Michelangelo’s David digging his toes into the golden sand at Currumbin Beach.

Then sub out Mike for a sculpture by a local artist like Alicia Lane, Joe Stark,  Sha Sarwari, Jina Lee or Greg Johns; or an international artist like Manfred Kielnhofer (Austria), Yunghsu Hsu (Taipei), Mr Liu Yonggang (China). That’s Swell Sculpture Festival.

Look out for…

• The Crab – an innovative blend of cutting edge technology and blacksmith techniques, Joy Heylen’s artwork won the Neumann Family Swell Sculpture Award
• Alienation – Futuristic or ancient? Site 36 is home to Sha Sawari’s stunning sculpture on the sand
• Safe – Clayton Blake’s monstrous piece made from 9,000 pool noodles is something to see

There are 55 sculptures on show this year, in what is the 14th annual Swell Fest. It comes a long way since more humble beginnings back in 2003. The original event was the brainchild of two friends looking for an art experience that kids could attend. Held over a weekend in 2003, the first SSF brain involved six thousand people enjoying 23 sculptures.

The free exhibition is open all hours with a selection of sculptures revealing a nocturnal side with some vivid lighting. In addition to the sculpture, the festival includes twilight walks, informative artist talks, a SWELL Smalls Gallery, artist master classes and children’s’ workshops.

Swell Sculpture Festival will take place at Currumbin Beach from September 8-17.

words by niall roeder.