April Pine wins Capral Artist Subsidy at Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe 2024

Capral is delighted to continue its National Supporting Partnership with Sculpture by the Sea, an iconic annual outdoor sculpture exhibition that has been captivating audiences for over two decades. The exhibition is held in breathtaking locations across Australia, including Bondi Beach and Cottesloe Beach attracting thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with art in a natural and open environment.

As Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of Aluminium products, Capral has had a long-standing association with the event, providing material support to many exhibiting artists since the first Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe exhibitions.

This year, Capral has provided 3.4 tonnes of Aluminium to six WA artists, including Dr Richard Hammer, Tim Macfarlane-Reid, Anne Neil, Denise Pepper, April Pine, and Erica Zaino. Capral  provides material support and assists them throughout the installation process by offering expert technical advice. 

Aluminium is an ideal material for use in public art for several reasons. Aluminium is a strong and lightweight metal, which makes it easy to work with and manipulate into various shapes and designs. Additionally, aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and weathering, making it an ideal choice for outdoor installations that will be exposed to the elements. These qualities, in particular, make aluminium a popular choice for artists and designers creating large-scale public art projects and sculptures typical of those you see involved in Sculpture by the Sea.

New this year and demonstrating a deepening of the partnership between Capral and Sculpture by the Sea, we are pleased to announce the Capral Artist Subsidy of $5,000, awarded to April Pine (WA) for her sculpture ‘Echo’. Capral is truly passionate about supporting artists and showcasing the merit of Aluminium through these exciting sculpture projects.

April Pine's sculpture ‘Echo’ heroes the use of Aluminium and is one of over 70 sculptures in this year’s exhibition.

“I am beyond grateful to be supported by Capral this year as this marks my return to sculpture by the sea after having my first baby. The artwork works to feminize a robust and raw metal, marrying it with a highly precise and robust fabrication methodology to inject a harmonic softness. It becomes complete magic when strength and softness are in alignment and when the afternoon light falls on the sculpture, the aluminium emits a warm glow. A personal discovery that when used in an innovative way the aluminium can have a depth of warmth in a sea of soft strength, confirming that aluminium was the right choice for this piece” said April Pine. 

“Capral are very proud to continue our long association with Sculpture by the Sea and the WA community, we are excited to be sponsoring 6 local WA Artist at Cottesloe SXS 2024, and we are delighted to see April Pine win our inaugural Capral Artist Subsidy Award.” Said Nigel Williamson.

“We are delighted to celebrate our 20th annual Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe exhibition with Capral, especially given they have been supporting us since the first exhibition in 2005 said David Handley AM, Founding CEO & Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea.

“Congratulations to WA artist April Pine, on receiving the Capral Artist Subsidy. I am sure her sculpture will be a favourite with visitors to the exhibition.”