Sydney coast morphs into art gallery

The Australian city of Sydney, known for its spectacular views, has decked up one of its most popular sea coasts, joining the Bondi and Tamarama beaches, with over a hundred sculptures, many containing messages against global warming and poverty.

The 1.2-mile-long coastal walk, a tourist attraction by itself, now also features the annual outdoor art exhibition "Sculpture by the Sea" until November 8, displaying works by artists from 41 countries, EFE news reported.

Large numbers of people walk along the promenade, admiring the artworks made out of materials as varied as metal, glass, stone and even Barbie dolls.

"The idea is very original and creative," Argentine visitor Daniel Leiva said, while Alejandra Sanchez Garcia from Spain, attending the exhibition for the third year, emphasised it was well worth the visit and that "each year there is some sculpture to take you by surprise".

The exhibition, held at the same venue since 1997, comes alive with a view of the cliffs and rock formations overlooking the ocean, serving as a backdrop.

One of the most prominent works and winner of this year's Macquarie Group Sculpture prize, instituted for participating artists, is called "Divided Planet" by German artist Jorg Plickart.

The work consists of a three-metre broken sphere which represents energy wasted on political conflicts and calls for a resolution to the most pressing humanitarian and environmental problems.

At the edge of a cliff, one can see "Listen time passes", in which human figures captive in wire cages represent the many memories and reflections on past, present and future.

Another imposing sculpture is "Half gate" by Australians Matthew Asimakis, Caitlin Roseby and Clarence Lee, made up of mirror panels reflecting the sea, earth and sky.

The exhibition, usually attended by half a million visitors including many children, also boasts of interactive sculptures such as the enormous white acoustic shell, by artists Arissara Reed and Davin Nurimba, replicating the echo of the ocean.