A delicate work exploring the language of gender oppression has claimed the top honour at this year’s Sculpture on the Edge, marking an unexpected choice in an exhibition that featured 182 works by 95 artists across the grounds of Flaxton Gardens.
Megan Robinson’s “Precious”, crafted from reclaimed copper wire, won the $10,000 Sculptor of the Year prize in the nine-day event that concluded on 7 December. The piece stood out to judges for its poetic treatment of feminist themes, using sculptural text to create what appears to be a garment made entirely of words.
Associate Professor Charles Robb, who judged alongside Wayne Malkin and Pam Walpole, said the work struck the panel unanimously despite its modest scale.
“This is a work which has a feminist message, but what we also loved about it is the fact that the sculptural text, these problematic words, these words that carry a big gender emphasis—become entangled through the sculptural medium and they start to become just a pattern,” Professor Robb explained.
The sculpture references how language projects itself onto the female body, with words becoming part of the garment worn by an invisible figure within. Robinson’s practice examines society’s gender imbalances and the invisibility of mental and emotional labour, themes she has explored in previous works including “Not Reflected in My Super”.
Technical mastery recognised in runner-up prize
Cam Crossley’s “After the Swim” took the $5,000 Runner-Up Sculptor of the Year prize for its exceptional technical skill in Corten steel.
The Sunshine Coast-based sculptor and architect creates predominantly figurative work stemming from his connection to the beach and human form. His practice views the beach as “the great democratiser”, a place where people shed uniforms and baggage to connect with nature and loved ones.
Professor Robb emphasised the difficulty of achieving the delicacy Crossley displays in working with Corten steel, noting the work’s “wonderful poise” and architectural quality. The sculpture features a striking contrast between the rusty surface of the steel and gilded elements with piercing eyes.
“It’s using the human body as a point of departure, but it’s not being limited to that,” Professor Robb said. “It’s using that as something to abstract from.”
Local and specialist awards celebrate range of practice
Jean Bennett’s “Hope is a Thing with Feathers”, a title referencing Emily Dickinson’s 1861 poem, secured the $3,000 Local Sculptor Award, sponsored by Illume Creations. Bennett, a Sunshine Coast textile artist, sculptor and art therapist, studied fine arts at Goldsmiths, London, and holds a Doctor of Practice in Arts Psychotherapy from the University of Derby. The work resonated with visitors for both its artistic merit and serious message.
Margaret Shaw received the $3,000 Upcycle Sculptor Award for “The Stone Trojan”. An experienced mosaic artist and sculptor, Shaw’s artistic journey began with crockery and scrap tile before expanding to incorporate marble, stone, slate, smalti, glass and various metals. Her pieces are now held in private collections across Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and the United States.
Ally Dalton took out the $1,000 Small Sculpture Award for “Touch as a Whisper”. The Eden-based artist has created ceramic works for 18 years and recently begun working with silicon bronze. Dalton comes from an artistic lineage, his grandmother Catherine Nicholson was a lino and printmaker trained under her uncle Ben Nicholson, the modernist painter and sculptor.
Dawid Szymczyk received the $500 Early Career Sculptor Award, sponsored by Montville Woods Gallery. The sculptor and character designer exhibited three pieces in the competition, with “Heron IV” proving particularly striking among visitors.
Bridget Whitehead won the Rosby Gallery Exhibition Prize. A stone sculptor working with sandstone, limestone and marble, Whitehead’s practice connects to questions of home and origin, particularly relevant as a migrant to Australia. She has described how her background in geology influences her sculptural approach.
People’s Choice honours first-time exhibitor
First-time entrant Kevin Dick received the $1,000 People’s Choice Award for “Wave Rider”, one of three pieces he exhibited. His other works, “Macaw” and “Anchor Girl”, also proved popular with voters, with “Macaw” receiving particularly strong support.
Dick brings more than 50 years’ experience as a master craftsman boat builder to his sculptural practice, creating pieces with maritime and Indigenous themes. “Wave Rider” encompasses both the ancient mariner belief that the dead return as albatrosses to ride the waves forever, and the modern surfer as wave rider.
The People’s Choice Award was sponsored by Montville Chamber of Commerce and Narrows Escape. One lucky voter will also receive a two-night stay at Lovestone Cottages valued at over $1,500.
Diverse materials and themes on display
The exhibition showcased an extraordinary range of materials and approaches to three-dimensional art. Works ranged from traditional timber, copper, clay, stone, glass and metal to more unconventional materials including cardboard, hot glue and fabric, demonstrating the expansive possibilities of contemporary sculptural practice.
Helen Dilkes’ “I am a Unity and a Multiplicity” attracted considerable attention for its conceptual sophistication, whilst Ollie Hardt’s “Red Baroness Helga from Strudelberg” provided a humorous and entertaining counterpoint to more serious works.
Lach Smith’s “This is Serious” was among several works addressing weighty social themes, joining Bennett’s “Hope is a Thing With Feathers” and Robinson’s winning piece as sculptures that engaged visitors both aesthetically and intellectually.
A key fixture in the regional art calendar
The 16th annual Sculpture on the Edge, organised by Arts Connect Inc, ran from 29 November to 7 December at the escarpment venue overlooking the Sunshine Coast. Approximately 46 of the finalist artists were from the Sunshine Coast region.
Gates opened daily from 8am to approximately 2–3pm, with ticketed entry available through the event website. The programme included sculptor talks at 10am and 12pm sessions, plus workshops for visitors interested in developing their own creative skills. All exhibited sculptures were available for purchase directly from the artists.
The Sculptor’s Choice Award, sponsored by Chalko’s Fine Arts Foundry and worth $1,000, is yet to be announced.
Arts Connect Inc describes the event as its flagship annual sculpture competition and exhibition, designed to bring together art, food and the hinterland landscape, a key fixture drawing both locals and visitors to experience contemporary sculptural practice in the natural setting of Flaxton Gardens.
For more information, visit sculptureontheedge.com.au.