Blue Mountains News

The judges applauded all finalists for their range of interpretations, acknowledging Wendy’s installation, Cycle, as a “bold and confident work that is elegantly realised”.

Accepting the award in front of approximately 300 guests at the Sculpture at Scenic World launch on Friday, Wendy said she was “humbled and delighted” by the win, which will allow her to expand on her artistic practice and continue exhibiting works within Australia and abroad.

“It is overwhelming to be acknowledged for your vision among such a high calibre of artists,” she said, adding that Sculpture at Scenic World Curator Justin Morrissey inspired her to enter the exhibition for the first time in 2019.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a talented curator who has inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone to draw attention to the fragility of our natural environment,” she added.

Other awards presented at the exhibition launch include the $2,000 Scenic World Staff’s Choice Award which was awarded to Louis Pratt for his work Regret, and the $3,000 Environmental Award which was presented to Jan Cleveringa for his installation, The Corporate Snake.

Louis Pratt took home the $2,000 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Opportunity, with the 2019 Sculpture at Scenic World prize pool totalling $30,000 for the second year running.

Western Australian artist Jennifer Cochrane also received an honourable mention for her work, Impossible Shadow #14, which the judges recognised for striking a “deeply satisfying balance between the natural and introduced languages of the site”.

A total of 25 artworks will be exhibited in the ancient rainforest at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains from April 12 to May 12.

Entry is free with a Scenic World ticket and includes unlimited all day access to Scenic World and Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.