Final Days of Sculpture in the Garden

Image: Photography by Tad Souden of Laura Nolan's 'Evolve'

Sculpture in the Garden will wrap up this Sunday [14 March] after another successful year shining a creative light on the Wollongong Botanic Garden’s landscape.

A diverse array of 18 sculptures have been showcased at the popular garden, since 6 February, as part of the biennial event. More than 35,000 people have explored the garden over the past month with many opting to participate in the People’s Choice voting.

“If you haven’t visited the Botanic Garden in the last few weeks, I strongly recommend you do so as this event only happens every two years and it’s a lovely experience walking through the greenscape and finding artworks along the way,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“This year there is a talented mix of local and national artists as well as one from New Zealand. Their sculptures are all different, and each reflect on the Garden experience. I’m sure they’ve sparked some insightful conversations from visitors.

“So, if you have some free time, take this perfect opportunity to walk through our beautiful Garden and enjoy the artwork along the way before the exhibition finishes for 2021.” Cr Bradbery said.

Among the artwork is this year’s winner of the Wollongong Acquisitive Sculpture Award, ‘Curious Dream of an Architect’ by Fatih Semiz, which will become a permanent part of the city’s public art collection.

A notable mention is Sydney-based artist Laura Nolan’s artwork, ‘Evolve’, proving to be a fan favourite as this year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award. ‘Evolve’ is a sculptural brown glass installation that incorporates the earth as part of its work responding directly to the landscape. Make sure you check it out in its final days at the Garden.

“There is a vibrant atmosphere at the Botanic Garden as it celebrates its 50^th Anniversary and we are encouraging residents and visitors, to not only come and visit, but also join in on the final events, exhibitions and workshops being held,” Cr Bradbery said

“They’re wonderful free events where you can learn a new skill and connect with nature in a welcoming environment. With a range of different areas covered, there is something for the whole family.”

One of the highlighted events, in the free community access program running alongside the exhibition, is ‘ghost trees’ by sculptor in residence Greer Taylor. Located in the Dryland Collection of the Garden, members of the public have been invited to contribute to the growing sculptural work in the last few weeks.

‘Ghost trees’ is an ephemeral sculpture that encourages visitors to create and ‘plant’ a ‘ghost tree’ or embroider words on to ribbons attached to tree boughs. The collaborative work is about the processing of grief felt by our communities in the wake of last year’s bushfires.

For a deeper understanding about the processes and inspiration behind this community-driven work, you can join Taylor on Saturday [13 March] on site at ‘ghost tress’ at 12pm.

Sculpture in the Garden will end on a high note on Sunday with a live performance by local musician Alex Young who has created a garden-soundscape in response to the sculptures and surrounds. He will be performing from 3pm at the Mercury Lawn.

See the list below for all the final free events and make sure you head down to the Botanic Garden this week for the concluding days of Sculpture in the Garden.

• Sculpture in the Garden Poetry and Storytelling Workshop – Friday 12 March 2021
• Artist’s Talk with Greer Taylor – Saturday 13 March 2021
• Michelangelo’s Interactive Sculpture Tours – Sunday 14 March 2021
• Soundscapes on the Grass feat. Alex Young – Sunday 14 March 2021

Bookings are essential via Eventbrite for events.

You can pick up a physical copy of the 2021 Sculpture in the Garden program when you visit the Garden or download a copy via Council’s website. Visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden website for more information.