Paul Caporn, ‘Heads It Is’, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2022. Photo Gareth Carr
Sculpture by the Sea has announced a new partnership with Champagne Pommery, Champagne Pommery, one of the world’s most beloved champagnes, is a National Supporting Partner of the exhibition, providing sponsorship and artist support through the newly created Pommery Champagne Artist Award of $5,000, to Western Australian artist Paul Caporn whose sculpture ‘Heads It Is’ is one of over 100 sculptures in this year’s exhibition.
Champagne Pommery is a long time champion of the arts, particularly in Europe. Each year, the Pommery Champagne House in Reims opens a contemporary art exhibition in its chalk quarries called #Experience Pommery, where visitors can explore 18 kilometres of underground galleries.
Madame Nathalie Vranken, owner of Champagne Pommery visited Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi on its opening weekend. While in Australia, she will launch the new vintage of Pommery Cuvée Louise 2005 Parcelles, a piece of art in itself.
“We are delighted to bring this new partnership to life, precisely at an extraordinary time for us with Madame Vranken being able to visit the country again. It coincides with many of our celebrations and congratulating Paul Caporn in person will be the perfect end to a whirlwind week.” said Inge Fransen, CEO Vranken-Pommery Australia.
Madame Vranken personally selected sculptor Paul Caporn to be the recipient of the inaugural Pommery Champagne Artist Award. Paul Caporn is an Australian sculptor based in Perth, specialising in the realms of sculpture, animation, video and installation. ‘Heads It Is’ is described as an unmonumental monument, pointing to the idea that the way we memorialise and celebrate our great moments and people in recent history requires a rethink in current times.
‘It is wonderful for our exhibitions in Sydney and Perth to be chosen to partner with Pommery Champagne, especially given the extraordinary collection and art exhibitions they host in Reims’ said David Handley, Founding CEO & Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea.
“Congratulations to Paul Caporn, on receiving the Pommery Award. I am sure his sculpture will be a favourite with visitors to the exhibition.”