Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2013

ASV MIFGS Sculpture Exhibition 2013 (20-24 March)

First we have the judge's comments and images of the winning works and then a letter from Mark Cowie Curator - to the exhibitors.

The judge, John Wooller had a pretty tough job selecting prizes - and here are his comments:

I would like to congratulate The Association of Sculptors of Victoria for, once again, mounting an exhibition of sculpture of great variety of forms, materials, techniques and aesthetics. I think there are very few aspects of sculpture that are not exhibited here, which reflects not only the true nature of sculpture but the diversity of sculptors within the Association.
I would like to congratulate all the sculptors for their honest expression of something deeply felt within them, to produce it in tangible form and place on public show. These are no mean feats especially for those new to sculpture as I remember very well from my own early days.

I found among the 98 sculptures exhibited by the 55 sculptors, a few of whom are not members of the Association, some concerns about the nature of sculpture. Two-dimensional sculpture has its place of course in busts, reliefs and similar works where either the formal context or the creative technique dictates or restricts the final outcome. We must always remember that sculpture is essentially a three-dimensional art form and, unless for reasons of necessity already mentioned, sculptors should exploit this characteristic to the full. A number of the works, particularly in the carved section, seemed to have been constrained into a two-dimensional, or perhaps, a two-and a-half dimension form unnecessarily. Nevertheless, I found the works, with few exceptions, to be of a high standard and worthy of public exhibition.

Judging the works was a difficult task as I would like to have given more prizes than I was allowed. Eventually, after making long lists then short lists I arrived at the following decisions.



Prize Winners 

Category 1 – Carved Work (16 Sculptors, 24 works)

Betty Collier "Cluster Formations"

First (7) ‘Cluster Formations’ by Betty Collier



This work in marble is beautifully carved with great attention to detail. It is very tactile and invites, perhaps I can say ‘fondling’, as each element fits neatly into the palm of a hand. It has a certain repetitious form that gives it a flowing yet restrained movement. While appreciating the difficulties of such an enterprise I would like to see this work on a much larger scale.

Second (23) ‘Shake That’ by Jenny Whiteside



Jenny Whiteside "Shake That!"

When I first saw this work in sunlight it shone and glowed as the alabaster is translucent. Walking around the work, and hence changing the viewing angle, revealed new aspects of form and light. It is extremely tactile and I could not resist handling the work. I felt, like many sculptors who carve, that the form of the work followed to some degree the nature of the material and that the final outcome is the result of a battle between the material and the sculptor’s original intention.





Commended (2) ‘Spring’ by John Bishop; (14) ‘By the Wind’ by Anthony Kim



John Bishop "Spring"

Anthony Kim "By the Wind"

　



　

Category 2 – Formed Work (25 Sculptors, 28 Works)

 

Rachel Boymal "Ecstasy"

 

 

 

 



 
 
 

Rachel Boymal "Ecstasy"

 

First (30) ‘Ecstasy’ by Rachel Boymal



The simplicity of this work first attracted me and forced me to look more closely at its form, material and technique and finish. I then realised that what at first appeared to be a flat strip of metal slit and distorted was, in fact, a bronze casting from a wax original. This is the equivalent in painting of trompe l’oeil, or a deception of the eye. This characteristic of the work appealed to me enormously. But apart from that delightful discovery the work lives up fully to its title of ‘Ecstasy’ and reminded me instantly of Bernini’s ‘Ecstasy of St. Teresa’, which is a huge ‘realistic’ Baroque carving in marble. This sculptor has managed to reduce, crystallise or condense Bernini to its essence, which is no mean feat!



Monica Mauer "Hope"

　



Second (46) ‘Hope’ by Monica Mauer



A truly three-dimensional figure full of movement. This piece in well-chosen, tessellated colours of green evokes the season of Spring hence alluding to an optimistic future. Its title ‘Hope’ is an appropriate one.



　



Commended (28) ‘Kimberley Horizon’ by Alan Annells; (61) ‘One Wise man’ by Aleida Wright.

Aleida Wright "One Wise Man"

Alan Annells "Kimberley Horizon"

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

 

 

Category 3 – Fabrication (23 Sculptors, 37 Works)

Todd Stuart "Large Octopus"

First (94) ‘Large Octopus’ by Todd Stuart



This highly polished stainless steel sculpture is remarkable. The sculptor has omitted details of anatomy such as suckers, beak and certain head features and concentrated on the essence of what it is to be an octopus. In its posture it is at once a threatening, slippery creature from which one wants to retreat, but simultaneously draws in the viewer who cannot resist the temptation to caress its voluptuous, tactile form and finish. He has managed to capture the ‘octopusness’ of the octopus. Aristotle would have been proud of him.



Second (62) ‘In Too Deep’ by Nicole Allen


Nicole Allen "In Too Deep"

This whimsical work with its play on words for a title, which can be said or read in at least three ways, is a delight. The mixture of weathering and stainless steels works well. The boots are well formed with attention to detail and I was particularly attracted to the frilly panties. A sculpture that is intellectually stimulating and also amusing is always a delight to see.



Commended (89) ‘The Viking Sets Sail’ by Noel Muscat; (75) ‘Pharaoh’ by Mark Doran



Noel Muskat 'Viking Sets Sail"



Mark Doran "Pharoah"

Mark Doran "Pharoah"

Letter from the Curator

I would like to thank you all for being a part of a most successful exhibition, where the level of interest displayed by the tens of thousands of viewers of the 98 sculptures was extraordinary. At the close of the exhibition 22 works had been sold, creating sales of $32,000. Congratulations to those sculptors who sold works. Cheques will be forwarded in the near future.




Pat O'Connell "Grass Trees"

I remind sculptors that works sold post-MIFGS to purchasers who viewed the work (or who want to commission an edition) at the exhibition are still required to pay ASV the 30% commission on such sales.

The level of interest in the exhibition resulted in more than 9,800 votes for the People’s Choice Award being lodged over the five days. The extent and spread of the voting across the entire range of sculptures is testimony to the level of engagement you created for the viewers.

I am pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s $500 People’s Choice Award – sponsored by the International Management Group - is Pat O’Connell for his work, ‘Grass Trees’. Congratulations Pat. Your work certainly attracted a great deal of interest.

Completing the top five people’s choices were: Sean Diamond’s ‘Desk Globe’, Eva Ermer’s ‘Man of Substance’, Pat O’Connell’s ‘Hanging Out to Dry’ and Jake Mikoda’s ‘A Little Bit Too Late’.



As I have previously commented, the diversity of your individual expression and the collective creativity of the exhibition have been inspiring and an absolute pleasure to curate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the spirit and energy that has been generated while interacting with you all.

I wish you every success in your sculptural practice and creative pursuits over the forthcoming year and the Association looks forward to your continued support of and participation in the ASV MIFGS Sculpture Exhibition in 2014.

Regards
Mark

Mark Cowie
Curator, ASV MIFGS Sculpture Exhibition 2013