Sculpture at Bathers spotlights Fremantle amongst best of the State

Sculpture at Bathers (S@B) returns to Fremantle’s Bathers Beach for the fifth time with S@B5; a distinctively Western Australian free outdoor exhibition.

Sculpture at Bathers is a much-loved part of Fremantle’s summer arts calendar. With four successful exhibitions since 2013, this popular event has grown from an audience of 20 000 visitors to 60 000 in 2020.

From February 19, 70 artworks by 73 WA artists feature oceanside, on the sand, the boardwalk, the grass, in the bushland and at Kidogo Arthouse at Bathers Beach Art Precinct.

Thanks to a recalibration of the event owing to COVID-19 and Federal Government RISE funding, S@B is transforming its fifth event into a fun and unique outdoors experience highlighting the sculptors of WA.

A wide net was cast through an open artist call out, encouraging diverse sculptors to apply. A rigorous professional curatorial selection panel has ensured a range of established to emerging artists are represented, as well as regional and Indigenous artists. This year, one third of artists selected for the exhibition, live and work in Fremantle and its surrounding suburbs, and many respond to the site and focus on Bathers Beach in their artworks.

One such artist is well-known local sculptor Greg James, who works nearby to Bathers Beach from a studio at J shed. For S@B5, James has created a lifelike bronze piano sculpture that will be installed amongst the rocks in front of Kidogo Arthouse. Key change for Lucy is inspired by the artist’s 3rd great grandparents, William and Lucy. They arrived from England on the Marquis of Anglesea in a howling storm, reaching the southern tip of Manjaree (Bathers Beach), known as Anglesea Point, on the 23 August 1829. Tragically the ship was driven onto the rocks in the gale, resulting in the loss of all cargo and personal belongings, including the Glover’s piano. Having survived the shipwreck, Lucy miraculously found their cherished box piano on the beach the following morning.

Marian Giles continues her theme of exploring Fremantle’s contemporary lives and surroundings. Her artwork Greetings from Fremantle is a quirky ceramic collection of contemporary souvenirs, questioning and celebrating life in colourful Fremantle - historic buildings, our iconic lighthouses, the port and the beach, graffitied walls, construction sites and vacant shops.

S@B5 is delivered in collaboration with many local businesses in Fremantle’s West End. Artistic Director/Lead Curator Sandra Murray has developed several new initiatives: five major works by WA sculptors displayed at Victoria Quay, Fremantle Ports; a satellite exhibition by Sculpture at Bathers Founder and East Fremantle resident Tony Jones at the Republic of Fremantle (Freo’s own urban distillery on Pakenham Street); and a feature work by renowned international artist Dr Jon Tarry, outside WA Shipwrecks Museum. Tarry’s sculpture features recycled fish and olive oil tins from local providore Kakulas Sister and shines a new light on Fremantle’s unique global history.

An expansive new night time light installation S@B5: GLOW illuminates the artworks and outdoor beach setting, using cutting edge programmed LED technology. Thanks to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Light Application, the City of Fremantle and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, you can experience the exhibition in a whole new light each evening!

All artworks are for sale and S@B5 includes a public program of workshops and new artist-led sundowner and gourmet  tours. Held in the fresh sea air outdoors, this is a Covid safe event. Click here to book a tour and find out more about workshops and special events.

All featured artist can be explored at the Sculpture at Bathers website. 

Artists working and living in Fremantle and surrounds include Claire Bailey, Margaret Dillon, Susan Flavell, Fiona Gavino, Juliet Lea, Holly O’Meehan, Bjoern Rainer-Adamson, Bruce Abbott, Megan Baker, Audrey Fernandes-Satar & Arif Satar, Phil Gamblen, Simon Gilby, Tony Jones, Richie Kaupt, Jina Lee, Melanie Maclou, Alessandra Rossi, Valerie Schoenjan, Sally Stoneman, Steve Tepper, Brett Todman and Rick Vermey.