Following a ceremony this morning, the 21st iteration of Sculpture by the Sea is officially underway in Cottesloe.
After 2025’s hiatus, 70 sculptures are now on display at Perth’s most famous beach, with artists from eight countries participating, including five artists from India making up the India Showcase.
Stephen Tepper received the $10,000 Alcoa Aluminium Sculpture Award for his sculpture ‘Suddenly Everything’s Changed.’ The Fremantle-based sculptor was joined at the opening by this year’s Tourism WA Invited International Artist Dr Subodh Kerkar, the creative behind a performance installation titled ‘Oceans and Civilisations,’ being performed on March 6, 7 and 9. The Tourism WA Invited Aboriginal Artist Karla Hart was also in attendance, debuting at Sculpture by the Sea with her performance artwork ‘Wardarn Dreaming.’
Dr Subodh Kerkar joins a list of prominent sculptors invited to exhibit as part of the program, himself having exhibited object-based sculptures at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe three times since 2013, and the Bondi exhibition four times since 2012.
Proud Noongar woman and multi-award-winning artist Karla Hart is only the second Tourism WA Invited Aboriginal Artist, joining Sharyn Egan who was invited in 2024. Her performance artwork marks the first time she has exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, putting together an immersive live performance celebrating the Noongar people’s connection to the ocean. Wardarn Dreaming, featuring dance, song and didgeridoo playing, is available to see on March 8 and 22.
The Tourism WA Invited Artists were announced last week, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, WA Minister for Tourism stating that he was proud to support the artists and celebrate diverse voices through Sculpture by the Sea.
David Handley, Artistic Director and Founding CEO of Sculpture by the Sea said: “It’s great to be back in Perth at Cottesloe Beach for the 21st Sculpture by the Sea. We have been welcomed with extra wide smiles as we set up the sculptures this week with people letting us know how happy they are the exhibition has returned.”
The free exhibition runs until March 23, including nine days of accessible beach matting between Indiana’s and the groyne from 11 to 19 March.
