“It wasn’t to be part of this year’s exhibition – we showed it in a different spot in 2017 and had kept it in storage. I so loved the idea that the sculpture that is itself a beacon of hope has been given its own [second] life.”
Sculpture by the Sea was cancelled after failing to secure an exemption from NSW Health, worried by the prospect of crowding in a time of pandemic.
More than 100 international and Australian artists had been selected to take part in this year’s event and had collectively spent $1.5 million to $1.8 million on their art before the decision was taken to postpone.
All these artists will remain in the line-up for the delayed exhibition when it is allowed to take place, possibly early the new year.
Kuzica was inspired by John Lennon’s call for a utopian and harmonious world: the song Imagine, embraced by political activists in countries behind the Iron Curtain.
“Today, the threats of Lennon’s time have largely changed, and new ones have arrived, today we live with a dangerous invisible enemy,” he said in a statement. “This fight against the global viral pandemic knows no borders or continents. We share this world together and the responsibility lies with each of us. This is a great test of our humanity. If we are successful, a life re-born, a ‘green life’ awaits us.”
Green Life has had a little touch-up for its public outing. The exterior surface has been sanded and repainted “which at ten metres is a bit of job”, Handley said.
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Waverley mayor Paula Masselos said the pandemic had changed the world forever but that the council is very much looking forward to the next Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in whatever form it needs to take to ensure safe attendance.
“I really appreciate and applaud the effort and dedication the Sculpture by the Sea artists have put into creating works for the exhibition during these difficult and challenging times, and it is a delight to welcome Milan Kuzica’s work Green Life to Bondi,” Masselos said.
