Winning Sculpture an Eloquent Plea for Tolerance

MEDIA RELEASE:

Seven life-size female figures clad in black chadors took the major prize at this year’s Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show, sponsored by WHK Rutherfords. Entitled “Echo”, the work is by Gold Coast artist Frédéric Berjot, who describes it as both a political and poetic statement. He says his urban French upbringing that brought him close to Muslim communities, including women wearing the traditional, all-concealing chador, prompted him to make a work challenging “them-and-us” attitudes in Australia.

“It is about showing what is not visible on the surface. Although they seem mysterious and remote, these women are there.” The judging panel praised Berjot’s work as “bold” and “evocative”, and were enthusiastic that it will draw strong responses from viewers. Christopher Dean, founder of TP Health and one of the judges, said, “The winning work is outstanding in its conception and execution. It is breathtaking.”

This is the third time Berjot has exhibited at Thursday Plantation. He was previously awarded a “Highly Commended” in 2003 for his work “Seed”, a statement about genetically engineered food. A successful commercial sculptor, he says participating in the show encourages him to extend himself.

“I like to choose subjects and use materials I’ve never dealt with before. I view the show as an opportunity for research and exploration, a chance to surpass myself.” Eminent Australian sculptor Bert Flugelman, also on the judging panel, acknowledged the contribution of the Thursday Plantation show, now in its tenth year.

“Having a sculpture park with an annual exhibition is a very laudable thing. It is extremely important for individual artists to have somewhere to show and to spark off each other, and it also does a great deal for the general community.” This year’s sculpture show includes 44 new works, all by award winners from previous years. Christopher Dean praised all the artists who entered the show, saying their sustained accomplishment “sets the benchmark from which the show will grow to even greater heights”.

The 2005 Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show award winners are:

Thursday Plantation Acquisition Award, $15,000
Frédéric Berjot of Tallai, Queensland, for “Echo”

Thursday Plantation Commendations, $200 each
Hew Chee Fong of Peachester, Queensland, for “Spirit Boxes”
Helen Leete of Sydney, for “Derriere Phobics get a Bum Steer”
Tamsin Salehian of Wahroonga, NSW, for “Beginning”

Regional Artist’s Prize sponsored by Beach Hotel, Byron Bay, $1000, shared between
John Dahlsen of Byron Bay, for “Pink Shard”, and
Allen Horstmanshof of Newrybar, for “The Byron Hug”

TAFE Arts Prize, $400
Stephen Newton of Brisbane, for “Heartland”

Crystal Castle Ephemeral Art Prize, $500
Áine of Nimbin, for “Coral Wreath”