INDIAN ARTISTS SET TO SHINE ON BONDI COASTLINE AS SCULPTURE BY THE SEA PRESENTS SHOWCASE OF INDIAN ARTWORKS

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi will shine a light on Indian sculpture this year with a showcase of 12 works by Indian artists, set to captivate the half a million visitors to the exhibition when it opens this Friday 18 October in Sydney, Australia.

Set along the spectacular, world-famous 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, featuring 100 artworks by sculptors from 16 countries around the world.

The Indian Showcase will feature 10 artworks by eight artists from India, including Professor Avantika Bawa (‘Scaffolds by the Sea’), Shovin Bhattacharjee (‘Cosmic Nest’), Harsha Durugadda (‘The Conversation’ and ‘Whorl’), Teja Gavankar (‘Pillar’), Professor Latika Katt (‘Inner Connections’), Dr. Subodh Kerkar (‘Red Fold’ and ‘The Chilly’). S.D. Hari Prasad Achari (‘Flux’) and Ayesha Singh (‘Hybrid Drawing’), as well as two artworks by artists from the Indian diaspora community in Australia, Niharika Hukku (‘Shelter’) and Shaumyika Sharma (‘Swimmer’).

Founding CEO & Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea, David Handley, said: “The Indian Showcase demonstrates the strength and diversity of sculpture in India, and we hope it represents the next stage of our exhibition’s relationship with India. Thank you to the Indian artists who have worked hard with us to battle some significant disruptions to freight from India caused by this year’s cyclones that closed ports and wreaked havoc on the west coast of India.”

Created through strong Indian & Australian diplomatic relations, the Indian Showcase has been made possible because of the support of Presenting Partner, the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Howarth Foundation, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and Consulate General of India.

Cal McGuirk, Director Centre for Australia-India Relations, said: ““The Centre for Australia India Relations is proud to sponsor the Indian Showcase at Sculptures by the Sea, highlighting the creativity of six Indian artists from diverse backgrounds.

“This sponsorship showcases our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Australia and India and fostering a deep appreciation of the rich artistic traditions that connect our two nations.

“We look forward to seeing how these works inspire and engage audiences against the stunning natural backdrop of Sydney’s world-famous beaches.”

Harsha Durugadda, a renowned sculptor from Hyderabad, India, has a long-standing relationship with Sculpture by the Sea, having exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi and Cottesloe each three times since 2016, receiving the $50,000 Rio Tinto Sculpture Award at Cottesloe in 2016 for ‘Column of Sound’.

Durugadda said: “As an Indian sculptor, being part of Sculpture by the Sea fills me with immense pride and excitement, especially seeing my fellow Indian artists invited to showcase our thriving contemporary art scene. The Indian Showcase is a powerful symbol of Australia-India relations. It brings together two vibrant cultures and showcases our shared commitment to creativity and artistic expression. I’m honoured to contribute to this important dialogue.

“This marks my sixth exhibition with Sculpture by the Sea and what I love most is the inclusive spirit of the event—selection based on merit alone, irrespective of age, pedigree, or nationality. The accolades I received here have really advanced my artistic career. The opportunity to connect with artists from around the globe and forge new friendships is invaluable. And, of course, presenting our work in such a beautiful, public setting where art is accessible to everyone is deeply fulfilling.”

Shaumyika Sharma, a native to Indian who grew up in Australia, is an artist and architect who has worked across the US, the UK, Australia, Singapore and India for almost 20 years, including exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe five times since 2019, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi three times since 2022 and being represented in the organisation’s permanent collection, the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.

Said Sharma: “I’ve been exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea for six years, and I am excited to be part of the Indian Showcase at Bondi, which gives me the opportunity to celebrate my dual cultural identities. My visual vocabulary has always been informed by the colours of the rich textile traditions of my native India, and the shimmering beaches of Australia, where I grew up. Both influences are evident in the colour palette and the wave form in my work ‘Swimmer’, which is on display as part of this Showcase.”

The showcase of sculptures by Indian artists will join over 100 sculptures from 16 countries around the world on Sydney’s breathtaking 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2024, the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, running from 18 October – 4 November.