Tim Storrier, the esteemed landscape painter and winner of the 2012 Archibald Prize, is making headlines with his latest sculptural work, The Splotcher, debuting at this year’s Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. The event, known for showcasing outdoor artworks along the stunning Bondi to Tamarama coastline, features 85 installations and marks its 29th year of operation, despite recent financial challenges.
Storrier’s piece depicts a character holding a paint bucket in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, designed to resemble a torch illuminating the path ahead. The figure, adorned with a red dunce hat inscribed with the word “idiot,” serves as a commentary on the current state of contemporary art and its perceived political overtones.
In an interview, Storrier expressed his frustration with government-funded contemporary art, stating, “I’ve ceased looking at a lot of contemporary art because I’m fed up to the back teeth of the hectoring nature of their political messages.” He emphasized a growing sentiment among artists who feel that political agendas have overshadowed artistic expression.
The artist’s decision to exhibit at Sculpture by the Sea represents a significant shift, as he becomes the first Archibald Prize winner to participate in this outdoor sculpture walk. The event faced possible cancellation due to a $200,000 funding shortfall, which was resolved at the last moment when NRMA stepped in as a sponsor.
Storrier’s work stands alongside pieces by other notable artists, including Graeme Pattison and Drew McDonald, contributing to a diverse array of artistic expressions. The exhibition runs along a two-kilometre stretch from Bondi to Tamarama, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary sculpture in a natural setting.
As the debate surrounding the role of politics in art continues, Storrier’s The Splotcher invites viewers to reflect on the boundaries between propaganda and genuine artistic expression, positioning itself as a bold statement within the contemporary art landscape.
