Bruno Catalano, ‘Benoit’, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2023. Photo Michael Goh
Bruno Catalano has been announced as the recipient of the EY People’s Choice Prize for his sculpture “Benoit”, which has captivated the crowds at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe over the last two and a half weeks. Catalano has been awarded the EY People’s Choice Prize of $5,000 after visitors to Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe voted “Benoit” as their favourite of the 71 sculptures on display along Perth’s most iconic beach.
“Benoit” is part of a series of sculptures called Travellers or Les Voyageurs, which are exhibited in collections around the world, including Paris, New York and Venice. Bruno Catalano is a renowned sculptor, well known for sculptures of figures with substantial parts missing. He is represented by the Ravagnan Art Gallery, Venice, Italy.
Catalano said on receiving the EY People’s Choice Award, “I am very honoured to have won the EY People’s Choice Prize during this marvelous exhibition in Perth. I am very pleased that the Australian public have been touched by my art.”
The EY People’s Choice Prize is voted by visitors of the exhibition. EY’s Managing Partner Western Region Fiona Drummond said “I’d like to congratulate Bruno Catalano on winning the EY People’s Choice Award for 2023. His superb piece, ‘Benoit’, is innovative, interactive and introspective, and has obviously resonated with the people of Perth and visitors from across Western Australia.”
“The importance of arts in our culture and community has been obvious this year, with tens of thousands of people visiting and supporting these local and international artists right here in our backyard at Cottesloe Beach. EY is proud to be a sponsor of nine years of this iconic event since 2014.”
David Handley, the Founding CEO and Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea, said, “Bruno Catalano and Deanne Neilson’s very different sculptures have delighted visitors at this year’s exhibition. Both artworks were runner-up for the popular vote award they didn’t receive. Thank you to Bruno, Deanne and all the artists for being part of this year’s exhibition.”