It’s BACK! Q Station Manly will play host once again to Les Sculptures Refusées, a rebellious artist-led outdoor sculpture exhibition, commencing 20 October.
This annual sculpture exhibition builds on the legacy of other renowned salon des Refusés exhibitions, which support the creation and exhibition of new work by artists that were refused entry into major exhibitions. Les Sculptures Refusées supports artists that missed out on Bondi’s famed Sculpture by the Sea.
From 20 October 2021 through to 27 January 2022, the public will be able to walk the historic Q Station site and view up to 24 large-scale contemporary artworks by some of Australia’s best sculptors, doubling the number of works displayed in 2020. The sculptures will be displayed across the vast grounds of Q Station, with many highlighted over the rolling hills around the historic Glasshouse and with Sydney Harbour and CBD in the background.
The Artists for 2021 include the award-winning Akira Kamada and Orest Keywan, as well as Rosanna Goslett-King, Anna Dudek and Sarah FitzGerald. See the full list on the Les Sculptures Refusées website.
This year’s judges include Art Critic, John McDonald, Art Historian Dr Michael Hill and Manager of Arts and Culture for the Northern Beaches Council, Josephine Bennett. There will be two prizes, First Prize and the People’s Choice award.
During the course of the exhibition, Q Station will be keeping guests well fed and hydrated, with food and beverage offerings from its multiple onsite cafes, bar and restaurant venues including G&Tea House.
Suzanne Stanton, Director of Q Station, said there was a real buzz on the site after a long period of lockdown.
“Q Station is so excited to be re-opening, especially with the extra buzz that Les Sculptures Refusées brings to our harbourfront site. We love watching visitors wander around, often ice cream in hand, taking in the amazing sculptures, their stories and our amazing views. It’s a great and safe way to step out of lockdown and back into the cultural life of Sydney.”
Co-Founders, Tania McMurtry and Simon Hodgson, said it had been another challenging year for the arts. “We want to give a big shout out to all the artists involved in this year’s Les Sculptures Refusées. All of them have shown constant support and belief in our show and worked immensely hard to produce an outstanding exhibition of sculpture – characterised by its distinctive flavour, diversity and unique vision. We’re hopeful that everyone comes out in support of these amazing artists and visits Q Station this spring.”
The exhibition is open to the public and entry is free. A series of workshops and artist tours will also take place during October and November, pending changing restrictions and health advice.
Check the Les Sculptures Refusées website regularly for up-to-date information.
Last year’s inaugural exhibition received extensive attention, with over 7,000 visitors.
