TLDR
Sculpture Exhibition on Currumbin Beach
Free
80 works
Runs Until 21st September
The Basics
In its 23rd year, Swell is a collection of mostly local artists who have made works to fit the landscape along Currumbin Beach. 80 works spanning 1.5km are on display until the 21 of September.
My Experience
One of my favourite memories is mum loading us into the car and taking me (and dragging my brothers) to Sculpture By The Sea in Bondi. I would walk along the coast admiring beautiful works that used the surrounding land to make something so spectacular.
I remember these trips with mum each year so vividly. I even tried to enter one year with a very ambitious piece but sadly didn’t get in. I wanted to make a large fishing net out of fish using rusty wire. The idea which I still want to do, was to drape it over the cliffs at Bronte. Maybe I’ll try enter something in Swell?
This morning I drove an hour out of Brisbane to Currumbin to walk through a very similar experience.
It’s called SWELL! 20 years since I walked with mum through Bondi, SWELL was a wave of emotion as I walked past and got to explore some of the most beautiful sculptures. The ceramics were an absolute highlight. It reminded me of those times with mum back in 2004.
The work and dedication that’s gone into each piece is truly mind blowing. It opened yesterday and the 80 works are on display till 21st of September. It’s free and trust me when I say drag the kids along they will be in awe.
I am just so thrilled to discover this annual exhibition and cannot believe I didn’t know about it until now. It’s in its 23rd year!
Here are some of the highlights.
The Beach Ball spider is so cool. It’s something fun mixed with something scary and the two come together so well. It feels like something out of Toy Story.
The mosaic Medusa was INSANE! I meet the artist and he told me it took him 5 months which I think is quick considering the amount of work involved. Make sure you go up close to see it as the tiles have been machine cut and they way they fit together is crazy.
The coloured pelicans are made by Pim who actually goes to my ceramic studio, not to brag, but I got to see her work on these and she is so talented. These were so brilliant and the kids loved them. Such a process watching her make her sculptures from clay. The time and dedication these artists have put in!
Pretty much all locals and all wonderful people.
GO AND WALK THROUGH ALL THE SCULPTURES YOU WONT REGRET IT.
Follow @hullobrisbane
Those pelicans are kinda creepy