Archibald artist E.L.K brings THE SEA to Bondi Winter Magic

2 July 2019

Waverley Council is proud to present Archibald Prize-nominated artist Luke Cornish’s solo exhibition THE SEA at Bondi Pavilion Gallery until 8 August as part of Bondi Winter Magic, 28 June to 29 July.

Cornish, who goes by the moniker E.L.K, is an award-winning stencil artist who uses thousands of layers of aerosol-sprayed stencils to create a seemingly classical result.

Image credit: Luke Cornish No place like home 2017. Aerosol on canvas 230 x150 cm.

THE SEA presents a series of works which were created in response to Cornish’s three trips to Syria in 2016 and 2017. Throughout this time, the artist had a firsthand experience of war, reflecting on the disunity and its effect on humanity.

Waverley Mayor, John Wakefield, said THE SEA is another example of Waverley Council’s commitment to presenting the very best cultural events for our community.

“As we prepare to enter the next phase of the Bondi Pavilion & Restoration Project, Council continues to ensure that our iconic Bondi Pavilion remains the home of cutting-edge cultural and artistic exhibitions,” Mayor Wakefield said.

As part of the exhibition, Cornish will be creating a new eight-metre mural on the famous Bondi Beach Sea Wall.

Cornish was the first artist to be nominated for the Archibald Prize with a portrait created entirely out of stencils.

THE SEA with be officially opened by acclaimed photographer Stephen Dupont at 6pm-8pm on Wednesday 24 July, 2019.

Bondi Winter Magic is Waverley Council’s premier destination event hosted in partnership with Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce. It includes our famous beachside ice rink and ferris wheel, Music on the Streets and Art on the Streets.

A key offering of Bondi Winter Magic is Bondi Feast, Waverley Council’s fringe-style winter festival, celebrating the best in home-grown theatre, comedy, cabaret and circus, from 9 to 20 July at Bondi Pavilion.