As the 18th annual outdoor Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe drew to a close on Monday 21 March, the public votes were counted and the recipients of the EY People’s Choice and the Kids’ Choice Prizes were announced. Congratulations Sachio Ingrilli and Britt Mikkelsen!
Perth-based artist Sachio Ingrilli has been awarded the EY People’s Choice Prize of $5,000 for his sculpture titled Perspective, a playful array of 3.2m-high stainless steel posts that combine to display two words when viewed from different directions – “Yes” or “No” depending on the vantage point. Physically manifesting the notion that art can be interpreted in different ways depending on the viewer’s perspective, the sculpture has attracted the attention and admiration of visitors across the eighteen-day exhibition.
Sachio Ingrilli, Perspective, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2022. Photograph: David Dare Parker
Exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe for the first time, Ingrilli is an Honours student studying physics and mechanical engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA). He also works with the UWA Aerospace team, building custom rockets to reach altitudes of more than 51km. Applying his engineering skills of 3D modelling, computer programming and manufacturing to the world of art and design in a new, unconventional way, Ingrilli had the idea to exhibit a sculpture whilst isolated in quarantine last year.
Sachio Ingrilli, Perspective, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2022. Photograph: Richard Watson
Youngsters were drawn to Western Australian artist Britt Mikkelsen’s work Anthroposcenic, which was voted most popular by children who visited the exhibition. The Kids’ Choice Prize of $2,000 is funded from the donation of Emrys, Jasper and Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM.
Anthroposcenic comprises of found objects embedded in resin, then set within a large piece of stone. The work captures a moment in time, containing joy and tragedy like any other, and asks people to question how our world will be remembered in 10,000 years.
Britt Mikkelsen, Anthroposcenic, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2022. Photograph: Jessica Wyld
Celebrating its 18th year, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe is one of Perth’s largest free-to-the-public events, attracting an estimated 200,000 visitors to explore the artworks. This year, seventy artists from thirteen countries transformed Cottesloe beach into a world-class sculpture park for all to enjoy, including thirty-two works from Western Australian artists.
A milestone: The exhibition marks the 50th Sculpture by the Sea exhibition held around the world, including 23 Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi exhibitions from 1997–2019 (with the last two cancelled due to COVID); 18 Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe exhibitions from 2005–2021; four Sculpture by the Sea, Aarhus exhibitions in Denmark from 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015; and four Olympic Arts Festival exhibitions in Albany, Darwin, Noosa and the Tasman Peninsula (which was held twice).
The 18th Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe was on display in Perth from 4 to 21 March 2022. The 24th Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi will be held from 20 October to November 2022 in Sydney.
