All at once we are engulfed by the ocean,
transformed into dolphins and whales,
exploring the mystery of shadowed perception,
free of gravity and fear.

~ from 'Gateway', a group poem by Yaralla House participants and Jonathan Hill.

On Wednesday October 24, poet Jonathan Hill led participants from Yaralla House through poetic exercises responding to sculptures displayed as part of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Students worked with artists and educators to consider sculptures through different ‘lenses’ and were inspired to write poetry through tactile, visual and aural exploration: discovering what happens when you blend the forms of sculpture and poetry.

Gateway, a group poem + Jonathan Hill reflects on his experience with participants.

Staged on the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular events, with 500,000 visitors viewing over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world. Held since 1997, this free to the public exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three weeks each spring and is the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world. The exhibition generates an almost unprecedented level of goodwill among the public as they enjoy one of the most unique events in the world.