Sculpture in the Garden exhibition is back at Wollongong Botanic Gardens

Metalwork sculpture artist and Thirroul resident Orlando Norish has designed a beautiful work of art for the exhibition that blends into nature due to its camouflage qualities but also mirrors the landscape around it.

"The idea behind the sculpture was to create a contrast between the organic shapes, curves and colours of nature with the hard shape of the object itself," he said.

"It blends into nature and also reflects it."

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Wollongong City Council's Sculpture in the Garden exhibition is back in the Wollongong Botanic Garden this year after being paused due to the pandemic.

The showcasing of the 18 sculptures in the Garden will run from today to Sunday, March 14.

"Exhibiting in the garden is a great opportunity for an artist to show their work in an amazing space among nature where people can interact with the sculptures and enjoy them," Mr Norish said.

Mr Norish, who started creating metal sculptures about seven years ago after working in the film industry, said it took him about six months to complete his work as there were several foundation and structural elements that needs to be worked out.

"The exhibition was originally going to be before COVID happened a year ago so it is good to finally see it up," he said.

The Wollongong Acquisitive Sculpture Award, known locally as Sculpture in the Garden, is held every two years.

This year the council received a record number of local, national, and international artists who have displayed their work throughout the Garden to vie for the prestigious award.

The winner will be awarded a prize of $30,000 and will have their work become a permanent part of the city's public art collection.

The award winner to be announced on Thursday.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he was excited to have the exhibition return once again to the much-loved Wollongong Botanic Garden which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

"It's a great way to appreciate the talents of some amazing artists in a unique outdoor setting," he said.

"If you have the opportunity, I encourage all our community members to make the most of the good weather and visit the Garden to take a look at the exhibition.

"Take a moment to connect with nature and enjoy the sculptures on display."

Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite work to win the People's Choice Award.

Mr Norish said he would be taking his family on the weekend to see the sculptures and hoped people would enjoy seeing and interacting with the public art.

"The exhibition is an awesome initiative that promotes the arts in Wollongong and the Illawarra," he said.

"It gives young and emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit their work with the chance of having their work permanently in the garden.

"I'm pleased there is a window of opportunity during COVID to host the exhibition and I hope people get out there and enjoy it."

Across the exhibition, the Garden will play host to a series of free, playful workshops, talks and events.

Throughout the next two months, local poets Ali Jane Smith, Emily Crocker and Anne-Marie Te Whiu will also be running creative poetry workshops with botanical connections, drawing inspiration from the sculptures and the surrounding environment.

Visitors can help create a growing sculpture with artist Greer Taylor as she leads the community in growing a collaborative environmental sculpture titled "Ghost Trees". This art installation will run from 15 February to 13 March.

For those wanting to experience the wonders of the Botanic Garden and the sculptures after dark, a one-off Nocturnal Walk on 10 March shouldn't be missed.

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