Juan Pablo Pinto & Cristian Rojas, ‘The Hermitage’, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2023. Photo Charlotte Curd
Sculpture by the Sea and Allens have revealed that Juan Pablo Pinto and Cristian Rojas are the recipients of this year’s Allens People’s Choice Award, as voted by the exhibition visitors.
Juan Pablo and Cristian receive a prize of $5,000 for ‘The Hermitage’, a humorous take on the Sydney housing affordability crisis. Based in Sydney, the sculptors met 10 years ago after moving to Australia from Chile and share a background in architecture. Juan Pablo has exhibited in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi six times, including another collaboration with Cristian on their 2022 work, ‘Selfish’.
Fiona Crosbie, Chair, Allens said: “We are delighted to have partnered once again with Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi for the 21st Allens People’s Choice Award. Our hearty congratulations to Juan Pablo Pinto and Cristian Rojas whose ‘The Hermitage’ won over the many Sydneysiders who came to enjoy the sculptures”.
Juan Pablo Pinto and Cristian Rojas said: “We are deeply honoured and incredibly grateful to receive the Allens People’s Choice Award, which holds immense significance for us as artists. This recognition represents not only the appreciation for our work but also a profound connection with the audience, reflecting the power of art to resonate with people on a personal and emotional level. With housing at a crisis point in Australia, extravagant descriptions of luxury homes can feel like a mockery to those struggling to secure even basic housing. ‘The Hermitage’ is a visual critique of the current housing market, highlighting this disparity.”
Congratulations Juan Pablo and Cristian!