Auckland based artist Virginia Leonard has won The 2025 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize for her work Glad that you are not here all the time - an urn for unwanted limbs and other things (2025).
On this work Leonard notes 'I can’t complain too much about my shit; I’ll bore people if I do, and I like to be liked. Instead, I have thrown my complaints inside this work. It’s open, there is no top, I can still see in and be reminded what’s in there... I really want to cast glass onto ceramics, but I don’t think I’m physically strong enough. But I’m awfully good with resin, so that’s the look I’m going for. Suddenly I have become hyper aware of opaque and transparency together within my practice. I have no idea why it has taken me this long to even consider the juxtapositions between these two positions. Maybe I’m a slow learner but I’m making up for time at the minute. "
In 2025, the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize proudly upholds its reputation as Australia's foremost award dedicated to small-scale sculpture. Established in 2001 as the nation's first national acquisitive prize for original sculptures up to 80cm in any dimension, this esteemed competition continues to champion creativity and innovation. Now in its 24th year, the Prize continues to highlight the dynamic and diverse creativity that defines contemporary sculpture. The selected works reflect the innovation and depth of the medium, spanning a variety of materials, forms, and themes. Read more online here.
