‘Sweethearts’ has resonated with the public visiting the exhibition over the last three weeks, as well as the media, opening up a discussion about violence against women in Australia. The 60 sweethearts in Marks Park were created to draw attention to the way that violence is excused and minimised, with the phrases on the headstones coming from women in the community, Women’s Community Shelters staff, victim-survivors and men’s groups.
David Handley, Founding CEO and Artistic Director said, “The response to ‘Sweethearts’ has been extraordinary. Watching people contemplate the artwork has been deeply moving. Thank you to the artists for creating such a visually arresting artwork that has provoked widespread discussion.”
Lydia Vitalis, iShares Investment Strategist, said: “We’re proud to be a major partner of Sculpture by the Sea as it celebrates 30 years of creativity and making art accessible to our community. At iShares, we share a belief in access, through simplifying investing and giving people the freedom to shape what matters to them. The iShares People’s Choice Award is a wonderful expression of that, giving our community a voice in celebrating the incredible creativity on display.”
The work also received the Kids’ Choice Award and the exhibition Staff Pick. The Kids’ Choice Prize is donated by Rebel Penfold Russell OAM and voted by the children visiting the exhibition. Rebel was inspired more than 25 years ago to donate to establish the Kids’ Choice Prize by seeing how differently children respond to the artworks.
Every year, the recipients of the iShares People’s Choice Award and the Kids’ Choice Prize receive a beautifully crafted exhibition trophy gifted by long supporting sponsor Dinosaur Designs.
Image:Philippa Lysaght, Omi McCurdie and Matty McCarron from Flim Flam Studios. Photo Gareth Carr.