Sculpture By The Sea – 2025 – Neil Atwood Photography

Sculpture by the sea happens every year and is a display of around 100 sculptures set into the landscape on the south headland of Bondi Beach and stretching around to Tamarama Beach.

This was my second visit, and again, done at sunrise to capture the changing light conditions.

The event wasn’t quite as impressive as last years – possibly due to the fact that it was nearly cancelled, and only saved at the last moment by a new commercial sponsor. I suspect some of the larger sculptures may have pulled out when cancellation seemed inevitable.
The official website is here: Sculptures By The Sea
The notes for each sculpture are written by the artist.

As usual, these images are best viewed on a desktop/laptop screen.

Location

As mentioned, the display is set in Marks Park on the south head of Bondi and trickles around the headland, following the very popular coastal walk path and onto Tamarama Beach.

Images

Rustle – Water dragon

by Andrew Cullen.
Material: recycled timber.
Crafted from reclaimed timber, this towering water dragon embodies adaptability in the face of changing waters. Its poised stance mirrors natures resilience, urging us to reflect on our uncertain future.

Ficus Maris

by Ulan and Rachel Burns.
Material: stainless steel.
In the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change, the tree emerges as a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope.

Begrudgement

by Ruth Abernathy.
Material: Bronze.
From the series ‘Declarations of Interdependence’, Abernathy’s characters have arms crossed in anger and resentment. The figures in a rigid and resolute pose, are unwilling to acknowledge their dependence upon the other.

Cosmic Eye

by Shovin Bhattacharjee.
Material: Stainless steel, aluminium, LED lights.
Cosmic Eye embodies unity and progress, its rotating wheel symbolises life’s cycle.

For Peace

by Ayad Alqaragholli.
Material: Bronze, stainless steel.
Ravens appear in myth and scripture worldwide, even as the first bird mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, where they symbolise divine care and grace. The chair represents the place of human dwelling, a universal symbol of where life is lived.

SOMA

by Drew McDonald.
Material: Stainless steel, paint, concrete, sandstone.
Through this fusion of sleek, shiny appliance and untamed nature, SOMA invites viewers to reflect on the dystopian comforts we cling to, the freedoms we desire, and our place in a vast, absurd world.

Standing Strong in Water

by Anton Forde.
Material: Kokawa andesite
One stone formed over millennia. An age old method splits this kohatu in two and during this process, energy is released as a millennia of close connection is disconnected. A new energy and beauty is created.

Sway

by April Pine
Material: Aluminium
Four figures coexist as one. They are solid and transparent, independent but connected. They are figurative in form, balancing life.

Tides and Rises

by Gleb Dusavitshiy
Material: Oak Wood
A wooden abstract sculpture symbolizing life’s fluid journey. Its flowing forms and natural warmth reflect balance, change and cyclical nature of highs and lows, inviting reflection on life’s ever-evolving rhythm.