Phillip Piperides
Born in Nicosa, Cyprus 1956, Phillip Piperides migrated to Australia in 1967 as a teenager. His involvement with clay and his drive to model it into sculpture was the driving force for him to join the private classes of Russian-born sculptor George Virine (1972-1976).
Up till 1983, Piperides continued to be fascinated by Australian Sculptor Industry and decided to venture overseas to Greece. While there, he become a devote student of legendary Greek sculptor Vangilis Moustakas (noted for the massive bronze “Alexander the Great” on his horse “Bucephalus”, and he acquired in depth knowledge of the many facets of bronze casting at the Dimitri Gavallas Foundry.
1990 became a major turning point in his life as he was awarded the highly acclaimed Churchill Fellowship (Sculpture) in recognition of his achievements with clay and bronze. Piperides then travelled to Canada, U.S.A. and England to further his knowledge in monumental castings.
Depicting scenes with the female form, ‘Bathers’ narrates an interaction between two figures in the landscape. The works engage the viewer at a contemplative level creating a sense of quietude between the observer and sculpture.
I have continuously been interested in the long history surrounding the theme of Bathers in art and how this simple notion has remained un-touched.
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 12th – 21st September.