Castaways to Transform Foreshore and Rockingham Arts Centre

In total 78 artworks will be on show, all created from repurposed materials. In the Main Exhibition Secret Harbour artist Ben Veljacich has worked with his son Baxter Oliver to create Inner Beauty, a ball constructed from old scraps of aluminium. The inside of the two-metre high work has been airbrushed with gradations of candy colours and will appear as if bursting upwards from the sand.

“I’ve won international airbrush competitions in places like California, but to be in a local award like Castaways with a piece I’ve worked on with my son is one of the greatest feelings, and to show him any dream is possible if you put in the effort,” Veljacich said. 

Shoalwater artists Andrew Wilmott and Tanya Hendy were inspired by the hardships of early settlers as compared to today’s throwaway society, using both raw and recycled materials to create Ali luminia, a female figure wearing a dress created from paperbark. 

At the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition, Lesley Barrett has created Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dee, a pair of mythical animals from her imagination. Barrett is an award-winning artist who has exhibited around WA since 2002. Her public art includes commissions for Elizabeth Quay, Perth and Rockingham Environmental Centre.

In the Schools Competition materials such as old spark plugs, broken toys and fallen branches have provided children with the means to create colourfully festive and vibrant works. 

“Castaways has provided emerging and established artists with a platform to showcase their skills since 2008, and the City is thrilled to be hosting this popular event once again,” Mayor Hamblin said. 

“There will be some truly stunning and thought-provoking pieces on display at Castaways, with a $26,000 prize pool across eight categories available to participating artists. The City thanks Castaways sponsors Alcoa, Water Corporation, and Fremantle Ports for their ongoing support. 

Alcoa Kwinana Refinery Manager David Feast said he is pleased to be partnering with the City of Rockingham for the 14th consecutive year to bring this exciting exhibition to the community for all to enjoy in 2022. 

“It’s great to see our final product – aluminium – being used in some of the sculptures this year,” Mr Feast said.

“I’m particularly proud that Alcoa’s support is again giving primary schools the opportunity to participate and learn about the importance of art, community and sustainability.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to hear artists speak about their work in a series of artist talks, listen to a podcast of Guest Artist Greg James speaking to curator Lyn DiCiero, or book a Tactile Tour conducted by DADAA. 

Beach matting will be in place for the duration of the exhibition, making it easy for those in beach wheel chairs and beach walkers, loaned free-of-charge at the event, or with prams, to get up close and personal with the works.

For more information visit Castaways. 

Main image: Father and son team Ben Veljacich and Baxter Oliver with their sculpture Inner Beauty which will be featured in the Main Exhibition on the Rockingham Foreshore.  

Image two: Ben Veljacich and Baxter Oliver's Inner Beauty up close.  

Image three: Lesley Barrett's Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dee will be on display at the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition at the Rockingham Arts Centre.  

Image four: Andrew Wilmott and Tanya Hendy's Ali luminia. Pictures: City of Rockingham.