Sydney has been blessed once more with a free exhibition of over 100 different sculptures, one of which coming from Greek sculptor Leda Alexopoulou with her encouraging piece that urges all of us to “keep walking” no matter what.
Alexopoulou is one of 112 artists from 21 countries participating in this year’s Sculpture By The Sea exhibition at Sydney’s synonymous Bondi Beach. 105 separate artworks are displayed across the Bondi to Tamarama Beach 2 km coastal walk from October 20 to November 6.
Alexopoulou, who has come all the way from Greece, has her sculpture titled “Keep walking” featured in this year’s collection, which is also the 25th year celebration of this event. The sculpture is made in bronze and depicts a pair of male legs carrying a snail on his back.
I wanted to create a paradox, a figure with realistic adult proportions so that he can be ‘one of us’,” Alexopoulou told Neos Kosmos.
“An iconic depiction of humankind’s impossible transformation into a creature that the adaptability skills of a snail or shell in a last attempt to adjust in an unfamiliar and hostile environment, created by humans in the first place.”
She explained that the title of her piece is meant as an inspiring message for people about constantly pushing on.
“The title is an encouraging phrase to humans, meaning whatever your problems are in life, you should never give up. Keep on trying, keep walking, keep being,” the Greek sculptor said.
The sculpture results from six months of work, Alexopoulou revealed, with her having to begin the project before even knowing if she was accepted into the exhibition.
“It took three months to create the figure and another three months for the foundry to create the mould and cast it into bronze,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“It was in May when they said my entry was successful, but I took my chances. I started creating the work before I knew it was accepted. Unfortunately, sculpture is a very time-consuming form of art!”
The Greek sculptor stated her belief that all artists who make sculptures wish to show off their work to the public, which is part of the reason she feels honoured to have been included in this exhibition.
“We do art for ourselves because this is what we love to do, and we do well, but half of the satisfaction is to share it with others,” she said.
“I hope I made some people smile with the view of it and made them think.”
Alexopoulou received the Waverley Council Mayor’s Award of $5,000 for her work, which she admitted was a profound honour and joy.
She concluded with a message about the importance of art being shown in a public setting.
“I believe that art in public space is civilisation and should be part of our everyday life.”
