Sanding Ovations 2014

by

Mackenzie Patel

In Treasure Island, Florida, local and international artists came together to create stunning sand sculptures on the wide expanse of bleached white sand. The event was officially celebrated November 19^th through the 23^rd, but over a blustery two months later, they are still standing (albeit a bit weathered and crumbling). Now in its 6^th year, this sculpting competition features artists from Florida, the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, and Washington State. Simply put, the grandiose tour de forces of worn rock and shells were certainly a fierce sight to behold, especially when the flaming sun set behind them every day. Last year, I thought the theme of the show was centered on “human communications and relationships.” Read my article from 2013 here. That broad topic was downright chipper compared to the works about life and death displayed in the past month. Images of deteriorated bones, a vulnerable child, and strange busts of stately looking men dotted the beachside, forcing casual viewers to think more deeply about art in general. The actual sculptures are made from a mixture of sand, water, and strong glue (like Elmer’s glue). This helps the sand particles stick together so they can withstand erosion, high winds, and pelting rain. Funnily enough, a few days after the artists finished their organic masterpieces, a headstrong storm blew through and damaged several sculptures. Majority of the works remained intact, but a few facial features were missing from the busts and the sand on the surface was no longer smooth.

 

The first place winner, Jonathan Bouchard from Montreal, Canada, crafted a haunting work christened “Love Never Dies.” As the name implies, two broken skeletons, with their ribs shattered and blending in with the surrounding sea of sand, were intertwined completely. Although the storm probably disfigured some of the features, I actually liked the way the figures seemed natural and part of the landscape themselves. Of course, I naturally had an inclination to like a display of busts because the imperfect visages and wrinkled expressions of the six men reminded me of Ancient Roman busts in the verism style. Sadly, one of the men was blown away during the storm, his empty plinth eerily fitting into the theme of death.  Finally, an interesting creation by Benjamin Probanza from Acapulco, Mexico, was undulating, curving, and definitely surreal. Called “Divided Life,” the main face of a man was incorporated into swaying buildings lacking straight lines. Throwback to La Pedrera in Barcelona, anyone? Overall, this show, while slightly marred by natural forces, was still beautiful and thought-provoking (especially with the heavy subject matter).  Find Sanding Ovations on Facebook here. Read more about the event in Treasure Island here.