South Coast sculptor Akira Kamada has a background in photojournalism and painting but creates sculptures to send a message rather than a source of income.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
His installation works are usually made to suit the environment they are in and are used as a tool to make the public think about humanitarian causes, political issues or saving the environment.
This week his piece titled Yura Yura was judged the best work of this year’s Sculptures At Killalea.
”My theme is the refugee issue,” Kamada said. “From a distance it looks like a boat.”
His installation of tie-dye style cloth is attached to giant bamboo sticks stuck in the sand on the beach at Killalea State Park.
As the wind picks the fabric up and sweeps it down, it is to simulate a sail on a boat. He said the work also makes sound when it rains.
Kamada was awarded the major prize of $5000.
Runner up was Matt Hill for his work The Life and Death of Roofus.
The People’s Choice is still being voted for, with visitors to the free outdoor exhibition to make their choice through the official website.
Meantime, people with a keen eye for photography have a chance at having their greatest picture from the festival being used for the cover of next year’s event program.
Whether taken with a smartphone or digital SLR, photographers should upload their best to Facebook or Instagram and tag Sculptures At Killalea and RMB Lawyers – with $500 also awarded to the winning image.