Woollahra Small Sculptures Finalists

Proving that it’s not the size that matters, the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize has only gained momentum with its growing popularity, attracting record entries in its 15th year.

Announced earlier this week, 43 finalists have been selected out of the 701 submissions received this year.

Australia’s leading national award for an original, freestanding sculpture up to 80cm in any dimension, the breadth and diversity of sculptures that arise from this criteria never ceases to impress the judges.

The finalists were selected by two of the 2015 guest judges, art advisor and curator Barbara Flynn along with philanthropist Penelope Seidler AM, Art Gallery of NSW Direction Dr. Michael Brand will join the judging process at the winners selection in October.

Barbara Flynn noted that “we found the artists to be more inventive with their use of alternative materials, with a transfer of materials from the everyday to art.”

Works ranged in a variety of mediums including taxidermy, intricately folded paper works, found objects and traditional woven sculptures by Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Whilst small in size, the conceptual strength of the works addressed political, social, personal and playful themes.

Judge Penelope Seidler commented that “the standard of finalists is highly creative and shows an intriguing use of materials with a wide range of conepts explored. The traditional form of ‘sculpture on a plinth’ was not on we warmed to as judges. We felt that sculpture has moved on from that.”

This year’s finalists included well-established artist such as Guan Wei, Robert Owen, John Nicholson, Kathy Temin and Stephen Bird who will be exhibited alongside some new emerging artists.

To see the full list of finalists click here.

The winners will be announced 9 October, with a total of $19,000 in prize money awarded to winning artists across the four categories.

EXHIBITION
Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize
10 – 25 October
Woollahra Council Chambers, Sydney