Walcha artist James Rogers has brought home one of Australia’s top art prizes, winning this year’s Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi award for his stunning metal sculpture Siren’s Song.
Sculpture by the Sea is the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition, drawing thousands of visitors to Sydney’s famous Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk each year.
Mr Rogers’ winning work is an elegant, abstract piece that reflects the movement and energy of the ocean.
Described as both light and ethereal yet strong in form, Siren’s Song continues his long-running exploration of nature’s patterns and the sea.
The Walcha-based artist said he was thrilled to receive the A$70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award.
“Having worked with Sculpture by the Sea for many years now, it really means a lot to me to be recognised in this way,” he said.
“I’ve exhibited at Bondi 21 times since the event began in 1997 and am honoured to receive the award.”
Mr Rogers is no stranger to recognition, having won the 2023 Sculpture by the Sea, at Cottesloe, in Western Australia.
His sculptures can be seen in Walcha and at Tamworth and Glen Innes.
Mr Rogers travels around regional Australia to exhibit his work.
“That’s part of being an artist from regional Australia. You’ve got to take your work out there and share it,” he said.
Over his four-decade career, James Rogers has exhibited with some of the country’s most respected galleries – Coventry Gallery, Legge Gallery, Watters Gallery and is now represented by Nanda Hobbs Gallery in Sydney.
He has been a four-time finalist in the Art Gallery of NSW’s Wynne Prize.
Sculpture by the Sea Bondi major sponsor Aqualand will soon decide where to place James’ winning piece of work to ensure it continues to be appreciated by the NSW community.
Sculpture by the Sea Founding Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director David Handley said this year’s exhibition featured more than 90 artists from around the world.
“The fact that artists like James return year after year shows just how special this exhibition is,” Mr Handley said.
“We’re grateful to our sponsors, donors, the NSW Government and Aqualand for helping us keep it free for the public.”
Mr Handley said it was extremely disappointing that the event had not received any federal money for the last two years.
“We were only able to go ahead this year after a public appeal was successful in securing donations and some valued partnerships and we will now take time to reflect on how we try to set up Sculpture from the Sea as a more sustainable operation with a future fund,” he said.
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