Located just a little more than 15 kilometres from Adelaide’s city centre, Brighton Beach is an obvious hotspot summer location. If you enjoy looking at a blue sky and love the sun then January is a great time to enjoy Adelaide. On this day it was clear sunny day with a forecast maximum temperature of 34o Celsius or 93o Fahrenheit.
So, it was the ideal day to visit Brighton Beach.
The Sculptures
Every January, the Brighton Jetty Sculptures bring the coastal suburb’s esplanade to life. This year, you got the chance to view over 200 unique, quirky, and amusing sculptures created by local and interstate artists. They are made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and mosaics; all of them are for sale.
What better way to spend a day than walking along the beach and admiring the wonderful sculptures on display. Brighton Beach becomes transformed into a massive outdoor art gallery with both large and small sculptures. If you like one, you can buy it!
The City of Holdfast Bay has acquired or purchased many of the public artworks that are permanently installed along the esplanade from the annual Brighton Jetty Sculptures Festival.
The first exhibition, which featured 34 sculptures by 14 artists, debuted in 2008. The Brighton Jetty Sculptures will return in 2023.
On this day of my visit to Brighton Beach, the sculptures depicted below were on display.
Moving Forward – 2021
Artist Will Hendricks
Will Hendriks of Port Elliot won the top outdoor prize out of 76 outdoor sculpture exhibits in 2021 for his sculpture ‘Moving Forward.’
“It has an in-depth projection of our human condition relevant in 2021, expressing the message of ‘Moving Forward’ with care and passion. It is hard work, but very fulfilling.” – Will
Coastal Garden Sphere – 2021
Artist: Andrew Rendall
Material: Corten steel, mild steel, copper, aluminium, reclaimed timber
The trailing vine wraps itself around the structure, combining beauty with strength and purpose.
Heart of the Highlands – 2021
Artist: James Hamilton
Material: Corten Steel
“Affectionately named Jimmy, after my grandfather, Heart of the Highlands is a nod to my Scottish heritage. I’ve been to Scotland twice in my 40 odd years and the sight of a mature stag can stop you in your tracks and hold you captivated for as long as it will allow. I wanted to capture that moment and hope Jimmy will stop people in their tracks at Brighton.” – James
Kaleidoscope – 2021
Artist: James Hamilton
I’d like to draw your attention to the details in each unique sculpture of the Kaleidoscope butterfly ring. It has over 300 butterflies and is topped with a distinctive copper monarch butterfly.
It offers a lovely framed view of the waves.
“I like to make things that are visually beautiful to look at.” – James
Buddy – 2021
Artists: Emily Brown and Luke Liddicoat
Material: Stainless steel nuts rods and scrap bits
Buddy is a happy Australian Kelpie. The beautiful flight of the Australian Kelpie and the artists’ shared love of dogs served as the inspiration for the piece.
Buddy, according to Luke, is his “COVID-sanity project” and is modelled after a black Kelpie he once owned who was a “frisbee-ninja”.
Gyre – 2019
Artist: Matt Turley
Material: Marine grade aluminium
The sculpture represents the winds and currents that shape our environment. The piece allows light and shadow to interact with one another, changing and lifting them into the air like the wind.
Empty Vessel No. 2 – 2014
Artist: Astra Parker
Material: Stainless steel and stone
The lovely beach location and this sculpture complement each other perfectly.
Astra is known for using steel to create amazing patterns symbolising growth and repair within living things.
“I am interested in natural systems and their efficiency to self-organise, in particular regeneration processes such as cell division and multiplication, seed germination or the opening of a cocoon or pod to release new life. My work is a reflection on this, both in form and in the processes of making.” – Astra
Gorgeous Gwendoline – 2021
Artist: Glen Duncan
Material: Tree stump, recycled metal and solar lights
Gorgeous Gwendoline will not bite, but she will scare you!
“Come up close and kiss my luscious lips. Uniquely beautiful, I won’t taste good with chips. My light will attract in the darkness of night, but get too close and I’ll give you a fright.” – Glen
A flashing blue-green light is the last thing you’ll see if you’re being pursued by a female anglerfish. The fish has a glowing lure dangling from a rod on its forehead above its gaping mouth and gnashing teeth.
Tuna – 2018
Artist: Flynn O’Malley
Material: Motorbike cogs, car gear boxes and other recycled materials
Flynn is a young metal sculptor who transforms old metal junk into amazing art. He creates art out of recycled metal parts.
Unknown – 2021
Artist: David Doyle
Material: Steel, Stainless Steel Spheres
This is a tall stainless steel abstract sculpture that contrasts solid rusty steel rods with stainless steel spheres. It changes with the light and the reflections of the spheres on each other.
“The creative process helps me to make sense of this world. In trying to capture the essence of things, I get a glimpse into the underlying beauty. What else can one share or ask about art.” – David
It is meant to create a sense of joy and wonder.
Pelican – 2017
Artist: Ty Manning
Material: Recycled twisted wire or steel pieces welded together
This Pelican is one of my wife’s favourite sculptures. There are actually two more pelican friends on the ground beneath this piece. Don’t miss them!
Summing up…
Brighton is a seaside suburb where you can unwind. So, do yourself a favour and go down there. It is centred on Jetty Road and provides the ideal balance of energy and relaxation.
It is well-known for its beach, quirky cafes, and shops filled with locally made goods; it is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It’s lovely and charming, and it perfectly captures the essence of Adelaide.
And remember to:
- Slip Slip on a shirt
- Slop Slop on sunscreen
- Slap Slap on a hat
If you do enjoy the beach, consider staying for a meal. Read our story Breakfast at Coast, Adelaide for inspiration.