AprilPine_FlutterIandII_SxSCottesloe2020_PhotoRichardWatson1

Cottesloe Sculpture by the Sea returns for its 17th year in March 2021

5 Jan, 2021

Cate Tweedie

Cottesloe Beach’s annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, is set to return to the iconic location from 5 – 22 March this year. Showcasing artworks from 70 artists, from 13 different countries, the exhibition brings culture and intrigue to the white sands of Cottesloe, as beachgoers and art-lovers alike can enjoy the free exhibition.

Two abstract scuplted figures installed on the beach in white sand, and appear to be watching the sunset over the water and beach groyne with soft wispy clouds overhead

‘Flutterland II’ by April Pine, Cottesloe 2020, Image by Richard Watson

Thirty-five of this year’s works have been crafted by WA sculptors, including Ayad Alqaragholli and Tom De Munk-Kerkmeer, whose works are being exhibited for the tenth time at Sculpture by the Sea in March.

three wooden sculptures in the shape of viruses, made out of branches and other textured wood sit on the beach of white sand, with some people and the ocean and blue sky in the distance

‘Viral Escapade’ by Marcus Tatton, Cottesloe 2020, Image by Clyde Yee

A larger than life inflated head figure sits on the beach, the top half of the head is homer simpson, who has a yellow face and very large round eyes, and the bottom half is the greek poet homer, in the classical sculptural style

‘Homer Homer’ by Dave Glass, Cottesloe 2020, Image by J Wyld

The exhibition is open all hours for 18 days between Mar 5-22, which leaves plenty of opportunity to visit, especially alongside a casual swim or fish & chips down by the beach. Artworks from previous exhibitions have ranged from the quirky, to the quizzical, the bold and the beautiful: there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including for children and families.

Three textured, monochrome black sculptures in the shape of emperor penguins sit on orange coloured rocks upon a beach groyne. The blue ocean can be seen in the distance, as well as white sand and beachgoers, with pine trees and a building in the background

‘Black Emperors’ by Mikaela Castledine, Cottesloe 2020, Image by J Wyld

In previous years, the popular event has attracted an estimated 220,000 visitors, and thus will be operating with a COVID Event Plan to ensure the safety of people enjoying the artworks.