- Chen Wenling presents sculpture to Premier
Replacement for stolen and damaged piece, Childhood - Morning
To be housed at Art Gallery of Western Australia
Internationally acclaimed sculptor Chen Wenling has presented Premier Colin Barnett with his sculpture, Childhood - Morning, as a remarkable gift to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Barnett said the piece was a replacement of Chen's sculpture which was stolen and damaged beyond repair during the 2012 Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe. The Chinese artist has remade the sculpture.
"Chen Wenling has been one of the standout exhibitors at the past two exhibitions at Cottesloe and his engaging work has undoubtedly contributed to the record numbers attending both the 2011 and 2012 events," he said.
"Sadly last year his sculpture, Childhood - Morning, was stolen and damaged but thankfully that unfortunate incident hasn't dampened Chen's love of Perth or WA.
"On behalf of the people of WA, I gratefully accept this very generous gift and I would like to thank him for his continued support of Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe."
Two young men convicted of stealing and damaging the sculpture last year have since volunteered to help people with disabilities at this year's exhibition.
The Premier said the 2013 Sculpture by the Sea would feature work from more than 70 artists, including Chen Wenling and Professor Sui Jianguo from China and Sir Anthony Caro OM from the United Kingdom.
"Sculpture by the Sea not only gives the State the opportunity to showcase one of WA's picturesque beaches to the world but also gives local artists the chance to exhibit their work alongside some big international names," he said.
Mr Barnett said the State Government, through Eventscorp, was proud to sponsor Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe.
He also thanked China Southern Airlines for its assistance in bringing the sculpture from China to Perth.
Childhood - Morning will be added to the State Art Collection and housed at the Art Gallery of WA with an option to display it in a public space in the future.
Fact File
In 2012-13, Liberal National Government through Tourism WA, sponsoring nearly 100 sporting, cultural, arts and culinary events throughout the State
Liberal National Government contributed $6m towards hosting six exhibitions from the Museum of Modern Art, New York, at the Art Gallery of WA in the next three years
Sculpture by the Sea 2013 will run from March 8 to March 25, 2013
Event to feature 21 international, 27 interstate and 23 local artists
More information at http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/Home.aspx
Premier's office - 6552 5000
