Towering sculptures take shape at UWS
A crane installing Ingrid Morley's sculpture 'Pocketfuls of Gold... Bucketfuls of Sorrow' at the UWS Campbelltown campus
The heavy machinery on site at the University of Western Sydney’s Campbelltown campus has roused suspicions that this year’s UWS Sculpture Award will increase in size and reach unprecedented heights.
UWS Curator, Monica McMahon, says the picturesque lakeside grounds of the campus have been taken over this week by cranes and excavators, as artists prepare to install some gigantic works of art.
“This year, the artists have certainly upped the ante,” says Ms McMahon.
“This is the fifth UWS Sculpture Award and 27 finalists have been selected. Some of the artworks are truly grandiose in scale, which will make for an exciting viewing experience.”
Marcus Tatton installing his sculpture 'Corruption'
Visitors will see Pin Hsun Hsiang’s three metre high monolith, Totem of Language, which will stand alongside one of the Campbelltown campus lakes, casting shadows over the water’s surface with the changes in orientation of the sun.
Acting as an industrial divide between two of the lakes will be Ingrid Morley’s Pocketfuls of gold... Bucketfuls of Sorrow – a 2.4 tonne hopper bin, salvaged from the ruins of Central Tablelands copper mine, that will stand wedged within the earth and gravel.
Perhaps the largest of all the sculptures will be Neil Douglas Laredo’s Fence. Constructed of recycled railway sleepers, the sculpture has an estimated weight of more than 6 tonnes and will need to be constructed entirely on site.
Simon Alexander Cook preparing his sculpture for its position in the lake
Ms McMahon says it has been a challenge to accommodate all of the diverse artworks.
“The Campbelltown campus is blessed with rolling hills, grassy knolls and lakeside vistas. Luckily, there is a lot of space to work with; the challenge is finding an ideal location that is complementary to each sculpture,” says Ms McMahon.
“When visitors arrive at our campus, stand alongside the lake and look out across the landscape, the sculptures must form one cohesive collection of art. The space cannot overshadow the art and the art cannot overshadow the space.”
Ms McMahon says the attractions of the UWS Sculpture Award are not all sky-high – there are also some very significant and intriguing pieces that will lie much closer to the ground.
Matt Godden installing 'That.' at the edge of the Campbelltown campus lake
“Vanessa Stanley’s piece, Transit Orbit (2012), is comprised of a 40 metre path of mirrored tiles that have been designed for people to walk along, as the path twists and winds through the woodlands,” she says.
“Just outside of the trees will be Chris Leaver’s sculpture of a 1.5 metre rabbit, standing before a reflected vision of heaven. Further along will be a tent-like structure, ensconced in light, which is made entirely of men’s shirts, and a 1.6 metre high steel pencil sharpener.
“These sculptures are truly beautiful and playful. I hope that visitors to the campus will enjoy this fun and fantastical element of the Exhibition, and that adults and children alike will touch and engage with the space.”
Martin Sims installing 'Remote' between two trees
On Friday 4 May, the University will announce the winners of the 2012 UWS Sculpture Award. The winning sculpture will be acquired by UWS for its permanent art collection.
Members of the public are invited to view the Exhibition from Saturday 5 May 2012 until 3 June 2012 and to vote for the Landcom People’s Choice Award, valued at $5,000. Picnic facilities are available.
WHAT: UWS Sculpture Exhibition
WHEN: 5th May- 3rd June, 2012
WHERE: UWS Campbelltown campus, corner of Narellan Road and Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown
More information: Read a bio of each artist and a description of their sculpture here.
The making of the UWS Sculpture Award: An interview with UWS Curator, Monica McMahon
Ends
1 May 2012
Read the story in the DailyTelegraph and Macarthur Chronicle
Photos: Alice King
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