Chinese artist Shen Leyi’s sculpture “Tracing Back” recently received an award at the annual Sydney Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, held on October 18. In a ceremony represented by CEO and Artistic Director David Handley, Shen expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I have always strived to integrate Eastern wisdom and philosophical concepts into my work. The appreciation from Australian audiences and visitors has been a tremendous source of encouragement and inspiration for me.”
In a phone interview with China News Service, Shen elaborated on “Tracing Back,” explaining that the work combines aspects of a tree trunk and rippling water, embodying a harmonious balance between movement and stillness. He remarked, “As Eastern culture teaches us, movement and stillness are always relative. When an artist conveys genuine emotions through their work, they can transcend cultural differences and resonate with others.”
Since 2019, Shen has participated in the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition four times. He noted that this year has been particularly successful, with two awards to his name. In March, his piece “Boat” won the Balton Family Foundation Award at the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Perth. Shen highlighted that the distinct Eastern qualities in his work have been well-received by Australian judges and audiences, showcasing the positive effects of cultural exchange between China and Australia.
As a participant in grassroots cultural exchanges, Shen believes there is vast potential for artistic interaction between China and Australia. “The advancement of civilization relies on learning from and blending different cultures. Art serves as an essential bridge for fostering such exchanges,” he stated.
The 2024 Sydney Sculpture by the Sea exhibition features over 100 artworks and is expected to attract more than 450,000 visitors over its month-long run. Since its inception in 1997, this event has welcomed more than a thousand artists from 51 countries and regions, showcasing over 2,500 sculptures.
