I am definitely feeling my age — or perhaps just my arthritic knee.
I visited Sculpture by the Sea today, and found that by the time I got to the trail end at Tamarama Beach, my knee was aching and I was feeling quite tired.
I suspect this may partly have been due to how busy the exhibition was. Trying to enjoy art with so many people intent on taking selfies is exhausting.
With 107 sculptures being exhibited, there is so much to see, and I will go back — probably quite early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.
In the meantime, here are a few images from my day.
Another glimpse of my home away from home. The balcony is proving to be a lovely place to enjoy breakfast and dinner — and a glass of wine as the sun goes down.
There seems to be quite a lot of sculptures featuring human forms at this year’s exhibition. Here are a few of them:
Detail, “Niemand”: Victor Fresno, 2015 (with friend). Full sculpture below.
“Bank”: Mu Boyan, 2017. One of the most popular sculptures, judging by the crowds surrounding it.
“Thoughts of Pinocchio”: Kim Bongsoo — and detail below.
“Look inside my mind”: Studioex@UNSW
I’ll leave you with a shot I took outside a bookshop in Newtown. I like the Karen Walker quote (she’s a Kiwi fashion designer for those who don’t know), but I absolutely love the blind-date book idea. What should I choose?
Zimmerbitch 
I’d choose blind date book ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The crowds can be crazy! But I am enjoying your pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a lot to take in in one go. 107 sculptures wow. Relaxing on your lovely balcony would be necessary at the end of the day
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think a few I may end up just “appreciating” from the catalogue. And the balcony is a godsend now that the weather is a bit better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had rain (good) and wind (not so good) yesterday, but today is beautiful. Did you get there before the crowds?
LikeLiked by 1 person
At Bondi Beach by 7.45. It was still quite busy, but mostly with locals out for a walk. I was headed back into town by 10am 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good light for photography at that time too
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could have done with being a little earlier. It was such a sunny day 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
The exhibition looks interesting – and very busy. Not surprising that you are tired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely several trips required.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People seemed to have had lots of fun with these giant sculptures. I hope your knees don’t give too much trouble today. Best wishes! Peter
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Peter; I will be better organised today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the exhibit. Thank you for going and making the trip for the rest of us. I’ll try to be more energized the next time our ArtPrize comes around, but honestly, if they don’t have a giant, blue head, I will be let down.
Enjoy your potato-based beverage of choice. Report back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe. I think giant blue heads should be mandatory. Or vodka. Maybe both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giant blue heads full of vodka! Sounds like a good drink for Halloween!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great shots, Su. But I also love the blind-date book idea. How cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it. Each package had a sort of teaser for the book inside, so you could decide if it looked interesting, and you would know if you have read it not to pick that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that. I think someone over here should start something like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What amazing artworks you’re bringing us, Su. And I’m not surprised you’re feeling whacked after that germ, and a getting ready for a trip on top. And it’s ALWAYS tiring if there’s a crowd to negotiate. The home away from home looks like a very a good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tish. I haven’t really stayed in boutique hotels much, but if this one is anything to go by; I should choose them more often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really wish I could be there with you and visiting this wonderful exhibition, Su! It looks fantastic! Live that pic with the young woman imitating the scrunched up face of the sculpture! And it’s amazing to see how many are fascinated by that big guy when you think about that we hardly get to see any realistic shapes on tv for instance. And I just adore the idea of a blind date with a book!!! 😄 xxxxxx
LikeLike
It would be so great to visit it with you. Maybe one day!! It’s really interesting watching how people engage with art. Taking selfies has become the absolute thing to do — and so often that involves mirroring the pose or expression of the work. Perhaps I should hang out at Art exhibitions and do a series of photos showing this 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that would be a brilliant idea for your own exhibition!! Hurry, before someone else has a go at it!!! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure I have the energy for another trip out to Bondi. And my knee is saying a definite “no” — so I’ll have to work my way through some other more accessible exhibitions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine this exhibition to be pretty exhausting. And I think your exhibition would profit from different sources anyway. 😊 Hope your knee gets better soon, try cooling it if possible and if you like the cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. I’m going to try and walk less today, though it’s hard when there is so much I want to do still. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
From a die-hard vodka drinker, yes, I like the Karen Walker quote too … and definitely a book would make a great blind-date 🙂
Wow – this exhibit certainly attracts a crowd!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure does — even at 8am on a weekday!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you’re having a great time Su, thanks for sharing.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am Leslie. A bit exhausted tonight though 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Great sculpture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. Really good exhibition. It’s been running for over 20 years, and attracts some great artists.
LikeLike
Another case of something being too successful perhaps? Nowadays I like the quieter places. Saying that I am enjoying the exhibition from my room 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah; it’s a tough one. I hate to think about the environmental impact of so many people — on the walkways, in terms of litter, travel, the extra takeaway coffees and food consumed. But I know a large number of artists and they thrive on having their work seen. This exhibition provides financial help to the artists and offers a number of cash awards. Plus the works are for sale.
I love seeing art in interesting “out of the gallery” places, but I’m finding being in the city (even a great city like Sydney) exhausting. I will be ready for home and my quieter life tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cities wear me down too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I’d really appreciated how much until this trip. It is sooooo noisy here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One reason why I am not so bothered about travelling any more. I am very content with peace and quiet. Strangely for me I have not even left the county this year, let alone gone abroad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This will be my only trip abroad in 2918 I think. Anywhere further than Melbourne / Adelaide is starting to look seriously unattractive in terms of flying time, and I’m with you in preferring peace’s and quiet — unless I can go to Wellington. It is so seriously cool that all my aversions to cities totally disappear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have some wonderful places to visit in NZ – towns as well as the countryside and coast. And that wonderful South Island too. Why go anywhere else? 😀
LikeLike