Sculptures show Lorne’s spirit

Lorne Sculpture Biennale artistic director Graeme Wilkie and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan with one of this year’s sculptures. Photos: LEON WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS year’s Lorne Sculpture Biennale is taking inspiration from Lorne’s natural beauty, history and cultural spirit.

The seventh iteration of the event officially opened on Saturday, and the 16 sculptures along Lorne’s foreshore will be in place until April 3.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Wannon federal member Dan Tehan launched the biennale at the Mantra Lorne, and was joined by VIP guests, dignitaries, sculptors and art lovers.

The 2022 theme, “Spirit of Place”, was devised by curator and local arts legend Graeme Wilkie, who invited the artists to create their works with the theme as a starting point.

“Today is the culmination of years of work that included two postponements and some challenging conditions for our artists and event teams,” Mr Wilkie said after the launch.

“I am proud and delighted with the incredible effort and commitment shown by everyone to bring this amazing event to fruition.

“We know this year’s biennale will be one of our finest yet and we thank our local federal member, Dan Tehan, for joining us to celebrate vision and creativity in this beautiful location.

“We look forward to welcoming record numbers of visitors to Lorne over the course of the biennale.”

Artist Deborah Halpern (left) with her sculpture alongside Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Geelong Gallery director Jason Smith Lorne Sculpture Biennale artistic director Graeme Wilkie and Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton,

As well as the main event, a Small Sculpture Exhibition featuring works by all 16 selected biennale artists will be held in Lorne’s Community Connect building and will run for the duration of the biennale.

There will also be a range of invited emerging, mid-career and established artists showcased across a range of price points, giving everyone the chance to take a piece of the biennale home.

The 2022 Lorne Sculpture Biennale is supported by the federal government through Festivals Australia, the RISE fund, and the Building Better Regions Fund Community Stream; the Victorian government through Creative Victoria; and the Surf Coast Shire through the COVID Assistance Recovery Program.