Sculpture at Scenic World

20 Apr 2017

It’s not often you get to take in breathtaking artworks from around the world in such a pristine setting. But Sculpture at Scenic World is nothing if not unusual.

The event attracts entrants from around the world, each with a unique take on the relationship between their work and Australia’s stunning wilderness.

The day I visit, the air is crisp and electric. It’s Sculpture at Scenic World’s launch event, and one lucky artist is about to win $20,000. But first, we are taken on a tour of the exhibition.

We travel deep into the rainforest on Australia’s steepest railway. As the tiny train descends through the trees, the group chatters excitedly about what’s in store. Now in its sixth year, Sculpture at Scenic World is known for showcasing an impressive array of local and international talent. This year, 35 artworks have been selected.

An array of brightly coloured sculptures are powerfully juxtaposed against the natural browns and greens of the Jurassic forest. La Subida Rhizome (The Rise Rhizome), by Miguel Valenzuela and Francois Limondin (pictured above), appears in sharp contrast with the surrounding trees, while Kolorhaus, by Selena Seifert and Chris Wellwood (pictured below), allows visitors to enter a stained glass structure and view the forest through a spectacular multi-coloured filter.  

Organic Chemistry, by Marta Ferracin (pictured above), creates an immersive and surreal experience using sound and light. The effect is otherworldly. Similarly, New Bodies of Water, by Chris Bennie (pictured below), features a collection of second hand paintings of water, re-purposed with the use of evocative burgundy in place of blue. 

Against this giddying array of colour, it is Mark Booth’s quiet, thoughtful piece Jellybean (pictured below) that is awarded the $20,000 prize money. The judges are impressed with the way his piece embraces the beauty of the rainforest. 

“Environmental awareness has been a strong theme among this year’s artworks, and Jellybean is an insightful work that subtly draws your attention to the forest canopy and embodies the natural beauty of the ancient rainforest,” Scenic World Managing Director Anthea Hammon says.

Sculpture at Scenic World runs from 7 April to 7 May. Click here to book your ticket.