Paraparap artist brings movement and form to national sculpture event

Paraparap artist James Irwin will showcase his bold, geometric steel and stone creations at the Sculptures in the Garden exhibition in NSW next month. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

A SURF Coast artist will showcase his work on the national stage next month at regional Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.

Paraparap local James Irwin will travel to the countryside town of Mudgee, in Central West region of News South Wales in October, to exhibit his abstract steel and stone works at Sculptures in the Garden.

Running from October 11-26, the celebrated annual event, which is now in its 15th year, will bring together more than 260 works from 130 artists.

Paraparap sculptor — Irwin’s sculptures are inspired by geometric abstraction and formalism, and explore the tension between stillness and movement.

More than $58,000 in prize money is up for grabs, including three major acquisitive prizes.

Irwin’s own work is inspired by geometric abstraction and formalism, and explores the tension between stillness and movement.

His works aim to enhance, rather than compete with, their natural surroundings, and bring a sense of individuality to the gardens and interior spaces that house them.

“My inspiration is my love for exploring the raw materials itself: the shapes, the lines and the form that it creates,” Irwin said.

“My work drifts into and captures the moment of movement.”

After a three-year absence from Sculptures in the Garden, Irwin said he was thrilled to be back at it.

“I’m really excited. I’m not an ‘in it to win it’ type of guy; I’m just happy to be involved and to get in.

“Whether you’re a very well-established artist or one doing it on the side, this event is for everyone.”

Irwin’s works aim to enhance, rather than compete with, their natural surroundings.

This year’s event will feature a mix of returning artists and newcomers, with one-third of exhibitors taking part for the first time.

“We’re delighted to welcome such a high calibre of artists, presenting an extraordinary variety of works. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sculptures spread across the gardens and vineyards of Rosby Wines,” Sculptures in the Garden founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight said.

“October is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Mudgee, and the exhibition is the perfect reason to experience everything our region has to offer.”

For more information, head to sculpturesinthegarden.com.au