Image above: Greg Johns The Kiss (Buried Alive) 2022-23 Corten steel 140 x 486 x 18cm
“Congratulations to Greg Johns on what he has created at Palmer. This is a nationally important project with Australian sculpture in the Australian landscape. It is also a huge undertaking that brings joy to many and a wonderful opportunity for the artists.”
– David Handley AM, Founding CEO and Artistic Director, Sculpture by the Sea
The Palmer Sculpture Biennial takes place in a hilly 400 acre property near the township of Palmer on the way to Mannum. Strolling over a rise in a landscape that includes escarpments, rocky outcrops and open countryside and suddenly encountering a striking sculpture is an unforgettable experience. In such a setting, these works have much greater impact than they could achieve in a Gallery. It will include works from 22 leading artists, including 1 from overseas and three from interstate. 2 emerging artists are included and this year’s Honoured Artist will be Stelarc.
The Palmer Biennial is a unique event
The first Palmer Sculpture Biennial was held in 2004, and since then they have gained an impressive reputation both locally and internationally. The event is now one of the longest, continually running sculpture exhibitions in the history of sculpture in Australia. Many people who have experienced past biennials now make a point of attending each new one.
Curated by Adelaide sculptor Greg Johns and Robert Lindsay (former Director of McClelland Sculpure Park+Gallery), the biennial is aiming to show a large number of works, the emphasis is on quality, artistic merit, and the way they interact with an Australian environment. A high priority is that visitors should be able to engage with both sculpture and place.
Opening Day and Music Event, Saturday March 16th
Open to the public on weekends 11am to 5.30pm and Wednesdays 2 to 5.30pm until Sunday April 14th