Phil Price, ‘Ipomoea’, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2018. Photo Clyde Yee.
Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe is pleased to announce New Zealand artist Phil Price as the recipient of the EY People’s Choice Prize of $5,000 for his kinetic sculpture ‘Ipomoea’.
Exhibiting this year as the Tourism WA Invited International Artist, Price is regarded as one of the leading kinetic sculptors of his generation. The breathtaking seven metre ‘Ipomoea’ has captivated visitors during the 15th annual exhibition.
Upon receiving the award Price said, “I’m very humbled, a big thank you to Sculpture by the Sea organisers, artists, Tourism WA and all those involved in the exhibition. I’m sorry I can’t be there today, it was a such a pleasure to be invited and a great joy to bring my work to this extraordinary exhibition in Cottesloe. It’d be a real shame if this show ended, from what I’ve experience it’s a wonderful and unique exhibition for all. Hope to see you again soon.”
EY People’s Choice Prize is voted by visitors of the exhibition. EY’s Managing Partner Western Region Fiona Drummond said, “Congratulations to Phil Price on his fantastic sculpture, which has captured the hearts and minds of the people of Western Australia and was a personal favourite of mine this year.
“Sculpture by the Sea continues to attract exceptional artists year on year, who once again have demonstrated the positive contribution arts make in our community. EY’s purpose is to build a better working world not only through our work with clients, but through our firm wide commitment to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live. That is why EY is committed to supporting the arts as they play a critical role in contributing to a vibrant economy, a diverse culture and community and in educating and inspiring our people.”
“This is our sixth year sponsoring Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe and the EY People’s Choice Prize and we are very proud to be involved. Not only does this iconic event showcase our stunning Cottesloe Beach but by being free for the community it provides people, who sometimes do not have the opportunities to encounter local and international art, the ability to enjoy this art in a wonderful setting.”
“Thank you to David and the team at Sculpture by the Sea for ensuring the people of Perth continue to enjoy this unique and world class exhibition.”
‘Ipomoea’ proved so popular with the public that Price’s work also received the Kids’ Choice Prize of $2,000, which is voted for by children who visited Cottesloe Beach during the 18-day exhibition.
Said founding director David Handley: “Phil’s work is simply stunning the way it combines sculpture and engineering to respond to the wind in such a random yet graceful way. Congrats and thanks for delighting and surprising so many people.”
Liberal candidate for the Federal seat of Curtin, Celia Hammond announced artist Janine McAullay-Bott from Thornlie, WA as the recipient of The Andrea Stretton Memorial Invitation to exhibit in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2019 for her work ‘Vintage I Bush Truck’, made from palm branches and bamboo. Organisers reinstated the $5,000 Andrea Stretton Memorial Invitation, paid from funds for the Bondi exhibition as a sign of the committed support towards WA artists and the opportunities these two exhibitions provide.
Town of Cottesloe Mayor, Philip Angers, presented Italian-born Fremantle artist Alessandra Rossi with the Sculpture by the Sea Exhibiting Artists’ Pick for her steel and coloured perspex sculpture Cairn.
The 15th annual exhibition of Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe features more than 70 Australian and international artists. Perth’s largest free to the public outdoor exhibition will officially close on Monday 18 March.
“Thank you to the artists and the people of Perth and it’s visitors for a wonderful exhibition and for the last 15 years,” said David Handley. “We will be doing everything in our power to be back here this time next year. From individuals to companies, to government departments not yet supporting the exhibition, we invite each of you to join us in making the next 15 years possible.”