With the spectacular Lake Jindabyne as the backdrop, a big Easter moon and 150 carefully curated creations, the 19th edition of the Lake Light Sculpture festival, proudly supported by Thredbo, is set to be a highlight of the holiday program in the Snowy Mountains this Easter 2-5 April 2021.
The foreshore of Lake Jindabyne is transformed into an outdoor sculpture exhibition, that is as impressive by day as it is by night.
Visitors are encouraged to view the Festival in daylight and to return at night to see the exhibits illuminated, two totally different aspects. The best viewing times being early morning for day, and sunset and into the evening at night.
"We are excited to be hosting what is shaping up to be a record number of artists with around 150 exhibits expected. This year there will be a sense of regeneration and renewal after a tough 2020 in the region. This festival will feature new faces, aspiring artists and seasoned creatives, bringing together visitors and residents all under the Lake Light banner of art and community," said Chairperson of Lake Light Sculpture Lisa Matthes.
There are 11 categories contested and a hefty $26,000 prize pool on offer, giving the festival a thoughtful diversity in style and mediums. The Major Award of $10,000 is sponsored by Thredbo and the Illumination Award of $5,000 is sponsored by Snowy Regional Solar and LG.
This Easter will see a record number of sculptures, many from artists who have not visited Jindabyne before and their designs and chosen mediums will be quite different to what we have previously experienced.
Heading to the mountains for Lake Light Sculpture 2021 is Rye based artist Matt Hill – a previous Major Award and People’s choice winner with his horse, foal and kangaroo sculptures on permanent display around Jindabyne.
“I love exhibiting in Lake Light as it includes a night section and a great opportunity to create works that incorporate light and shadows. This year I’m looking at taking my work in another direction using corten steel with LED lighting and perspex, cannot wait to see it in place on beautiful Lake Jindabyne,” Matt said.
Award winning artist Jen Mallinson, who has a reputation for creating impressive fluid from three dimensional works using corten steel, is returning for the 2021 event.
“The unique opportunity that Lake Light offers to consider lighting within works, gives the public a broader way to experience sculpture in a beautiful location under an Easter moon. I’m endeavouring to create a sculpture that looks completely different at night than during the day incorporating patterns formed by wind and light on water. Sowelu, is the Rune of wholeness, energy, light and discovery and in one of the most unpredictable years I’ve experienced, the Runes have come back into play, with this symbol influencing the form of my latest works,” said Jen.
Other featured artists include Lake Light Sculpture 2019 People’s Choice Day and Illuminated winner - Myles Naylor and his impressive metal work, and local favourite Steve Croquette with his steel creations.
Also returning is Victorian artist Madeleine Last. Her piece The Bush Chandelier was a lakeside standout for which she was awarded the coveted 2019 ANU Residency. Banjo Paterson Park is the heart of the festival and will feature a power packed accompanying line-up to the sculptural exhibits.
This year’s visiting artist, Rob Bast, is a champion of the chainsaw when it comes to creating and is sure to enthral visitors with his energetic carving. Rob is being brought to the festival by Snowy Regional Solar and LG and through grant funding from the National Bushire Recovery Agency. A self-taught sculptor from the Yarra Valley, Rob started chainsaw carving in 2003 and has never looked back with native wildlife forming many of his pieces. Guests can watch Rob as he carves logs into stunning life size pieces of art.
On Saturday evening from 5pm there is a twilight food market for takeaway delights. Guests are asked to bring their own picnic blanket and adequately social distance by keeping a picnic blanket away from others. Once sun sets Saturday, there will be a Celebration of Art and Light supported by Jindabyne Real Estate. A Digital Light Projection Show illuminates the famous 4m bronze Strzelecki monument. Bermagui artist Scott Baker will be video projection mapping and this year he is taking us underwater places and faraway spaces.
It’s not all bold and large scale, the festival also includes a Smalls Exhibition at Rydges-Horizons Snowy Mountains. It features a stunning display of the finer, more delicate pieces using a variety of mediums.
This indoor exhibition is supported by Kosciusko First National, Rydges and the Jindabyne Yoga Shala and is open each day.
An expert panel of judges, including two from the National Gallery of Australia, will be on hand to cast their professional eye over exhibits, with major awards offered in categories including Illumination, Environment and Youth.
People can also cast a vote in the three People’s Choice categories for the best sculpture overall, illuminated and smalls.
All sculptures are for sale with a percentage of proceeds used to stage the event and community sculpture installations.
2021 Lake Light Sculpture Key times:
• Outdoor Exhibition and Sales brought to you by Thredbo.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 8am – 10pm and Monday: 8am – Midday
• Small Sculpture Exhibition and Sales at Rydges-Horizons brought to you by Kosciusko First National and Jindabyne Yoga Shala.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 7pm
• Rob Bast Sculptor – Chainsaw Carving Display brought to you by Snowy Regional Solar and LG.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10am -4pm
• Celebration of Art and Light brought to you by Jindabyne Real Estate and Crackenback Resort. Includes Twilight Food Market and Scott Baker Digital Light Projection Show.
Saturday 5pm - 9pm – Banjo Paterson Park
• Instagram Photo Competition throughout the event #LLS21photocomp
• Help spread the love. Use these tags #lakelightsculpture @lakelightsculpture #loveNSW #snowymountainsNSW