Brighton Beach (Aboriginal name: Witu-wattingga) is located approximately 15 kilometres from Adelaide’s central business district.
It’s lovely on its own, but now that the Brighton Jetty Sculptures have returned, it’s even more so. Every year, it transforms Brighton’s esplanade into an outdoor gallery, and this year was no exception.
The exhibition ran for 12 days, from Wednesday, January 18, to Sunday, January 29, 2023. This year’s event was open to local, regional, interstate, and international artists.
There were 159 exhibits in total, 38 of which were outdoor pieces installed along the beautiful esplanade. A collection of both indoor and outdoor sculptures in Bindarra Reserve added to its appeal.
On Sunday, January 22nd, my wife and I went down to enjoy the day and exhibits, and it was a glorious 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather was ideal, with a bright blue sky above.
The event certainly gives people the opportunity to view and appreciate art in a spectacular beach setting.
Organisers estimate that this event attracts 8,000 to 10,000 visitors per day, these numbers were expected to rise this year.
I’ve compiled a list of my top ten favourite pieces from the day, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. The outdoor exhibits were primarily located along the Esplanade between Dunluce Avenue and Beach Road.
Malvern Star
Sculptor: Alistair Dobson (Winner – Environmental Category)
Artist’s Description: I present to you my impression of ‘static movement’.
I have endeavoured throughout to combine discarded historical items within my work, that have evolved into the natural beauty of Malvern Star.
Each recycled item has been carefully selected and placed to still retain much of their original form. And so, I invite the viewer to ponder the transition of inanimate objects to an impression of a life like creation.
Material: Scrap metal
Size: w: 800cm; d: 1700cm; h: 2200cm
Weight: 145 kg
Additional Category: Environmental Awareness
Paddle Pop
Sculptor: Daniel Toonen
“I love this work as each day you get to create something beautiful that will outlast most things.” – Daniel
Artist’s Description: The Beach and Paddle Pop ice-creams are the iconic Australian match made in heaven. What better way to rinse off the salt and sand than with a shower from the essence of a cool refreshing Paddle Pop.
Material: Stone, timber and steel
Size: w: 1100cm; d: 400cm; h: 3000cm
Weight: 250 kg
String Theory II
Sculptor: Lorry Wedding-Marchioro
“My sculptural work focuses on understanding and interpreting concepts on the nature of reality, encouraging the observer to view the world with new eyes.” – Lorry
Artist’s Description: What if we could see the tiniest particles that make up reality? Quantum scientists have proposed the theory that the universe is made up of tiny ‘strings’ which interact with one another to create the world as we know it.
Material: Mild steel, automotive paint
Size: w: 910cm; d: 700cm; h: 2450cm
Weight: 80 kg
Soulful Sax
Sculptor: Claude Portelli
“With the heart of a musician, the nature to create something beautiful and memorable comes naturally to Claude, to bring something to life through a medium as raw as welding.” – Portelli Designs
Artist’s Description: My love of soulful music and sculpting brought Soulful Sax to life.
Material: Corten steel
Size: w: 800cm; d: 1200cm; h: 2000cm
Weight: 40 kg
Eagle Ray
Sculptor: John Hayward
“I am an artist, woodworker, archaeologist and writer with each of these practices informing the other. One theme has been to use multiples of single elements that builds a structure in a form of assemblage, as in my slat pieces.” – John
Artist’s Description: Brighton Beach (Witu-wattingga), has been the home of Eagle Stingrays for generations. My piece celebrates the Eagle Rays of Witu-wattingga.
Material: Timber, paint, galvanised steel
Size: w: 2400cm; d: 200cm; h: 2100cm
Weight: 80 kg
Additional Category: Environmental Awareness
Family
Sculptor: Chris Murphy
Artist’s Description: This sculpture represents the connection we have as a Family.
Material: Corten steel
Size: w: 900cm; d: 800cm; h: 2500cm
Weight: 80 kg
Reclaim the Love
Sculptor: Baden Lloyd
“Creativity is the balance of my mind, when opening my mind creativity flows, my enjoyment is filled with passion and desire, some that I have found and others I am yet to discover. Discovering is the reward of creativity and new life that is reborn from past years.” – Baden
Artist’s Description: Collection of life’s rarest moments and memories, experienced through love, views, bonds and losses. Frozen in time, relocated in mind and soul. Brought to the light of day, wrapped and stitched warmly together to reclaim the story of life’s passion for love.
Material: 28mm recycled anchor chain, various scrap metal farm artifacts, reclaimed flattened corrugated iron
Size: w: 1400cm; d: 1400cm; h: 2200cm
Additional Category: Environmental Awareness
Weight: 180 kg
Night Sky
Sculptor: Peter DeMaria
Artist’s Description: Our Night Sky sculpture is a representation of the struggling minds of today’s youth. When life gets too overwhelming, just look up at the night sky and lose yourself for a while.
Only in the darkness can you truly see the stars.
Material: Corten steel
Size: w: 1800cm; d: 800cm; h: 2000cm
Weight: 80 kg
Storm Talon
Sculptor: Kevin Schubert
Artist’s Description: After many years of using washers, various recycled metal and an old stick welder creating garden art – I decided it’s time to capture the most majestic of birds – the Wedge Tail Eagle. They never cease to amaze me – especially their ability to soar above the storm with no effort, a great life lesson for us all. After much trial and error, perfecting proportion and medium choices, I am honoured to present ‘Storm Talon’, completed 6/10/22.
Material: Various metal, washers, recycled pipe, wine vat rings and bearings
Size: w: 3000cm; d: 1500cm; h: 3300cm
Weight: 180 kg
On Reflection
Sculptor: Matt Turley
“I am a newcomer to the art world and I am enjoying every opportunity that comes along. My inspiration comes from sitting on the beach and taking a moment to chill out and relax. Into the future. I’m excited to see where new materials and techniques will take art.” – Matt
Artist’s Description: Grab a moment. A moment to stop, relax and take in your surroundings.
A moment to reflect.
Material: 316 marine grade stainless steel
Size: w: 1600cm; d: 3300cm; h: 2700cm
Weight: 175 kg
So, even if the odd art sculptures on the beach are not your thing, go check out one of South Australia’s favourite beaches.
Brighton Beach is well-known for being welcoming and safe. This beach, with its variety of cafés and the Esplanade Hotel, will appeal to the entire family.
And before you leave Brighton, stop by the ‘Espy’ (Esplanade Hotel) for a sunset drink.
If you enjoyed our take on the Brighton Jetty Sculptures, check out our story from 2021.
