S@B - Sculpture at Bathers - 2025 - Fremantle Shipping News

Sculpture at Bathers (S@B) has returned for its sixth event from 4-21 April 2025.

Fremantle Shipping News was pleased to attend the opening night at Bathers Beach House on Thursday night, 3 April, with patron Tony Jones in attendance.

The iconic Bathers Beach Art Precinct / Manjaree has been transformed into an open-air gallery with sculptures underneath the old jetty, along the beach and one in the ocean.

Here’s a selection of exhibits, but there are so many more to see!

There are additional indoor exhibitions at WA Shipwrecks Museum and a satellite showcase at Artsource’s Old Customs House.

This free event promises an unforgettable cultural experience, showcasing 57 of WA’s most innovative sculptors. The biennial exhibition blends contemporary art with the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can explore works along the sand, boardwalk, and bush pathways.

Look out for the unusual work of a human figure by Simon Gilby, which stands on a small concrete island off the beach. At night it glows a photo-luminescent blue and looks stunning as it calmly floats in the Indian Ocean.

S@B exhibits a diverse array of artists, including both those with established careers and emerging talent.

The selection panel received over 100 entries this year.

S@B remains the largest dedicated survey of contemporary sculpture in Western Australia and is a highlight of the WA arts calendar.

S@B has showcased the work of 320 WA artists since its inaugural event in 2013, affirming its established success and drawing a record audience of 130,000 visitors in its most recent event, held in 2022. The event’s Creative Patron and Founder is Tony Jones, Cit WAOAM, an esteemed Fremantle-based artist and teacher. Tony delivered a moving speech at the opening.

For the first time S@B6 will coincide with the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival. There will be a wealth of activities and attractions for the community to enjoy in Fremantle! During the event, there will be free public tours led by exhibiting sculptors.

Watch this space over the next couple of weeks for more photos.

Sculpture at Bathers is a free event and runs from Friday, 4 April 4, to Monday, 21 April 2025.

For the full program, visit s@b website.

Don’t miss it!

By Jean Hudson

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