ARTIST’S STATEMENT
“As a figurative sculptor I aim to capture the essence of the subject based on strong form. Movement, energy and emotion are very important. I strive for these qualities in my work and value them above absolute anatomical correctness and overworked highly detailed finishing which often destroys spontaneity and feeling. Good art and sculpture should test the viewer’s imagination.”
PROFILE
Alan Somerville is a very accomplished and refined sculptor in all mediums, a true master sculptor. His body of work is both broad and critically acclaimed. His numerous public works include the two iconic bronze Diggers on Sydneys Anzac Bridge, the Bull at World Square, Sir Henry Parkes in Centennial Park, Sir Roden Cutler at Manly, and three bronze sculptures at the Australian War Memorial, plus countless private commissions.
MAJOR PUBLIC SCULPTURES
2013 National Memorial for the Fallen Life Savers, Coogee Beach – unveiled February 2014
2008 NZ WW1 Soldier, 4.2m Bronze Anzac Bridge, Sydney
2007 Sir Tristram with Sir Patrick Hogan, Life size bronze, Cambridge NZ
2007 Blessed Pope John 23rd, Life size bronze NSW Sydney Diocese
2006 Sir Roden Cutler VC, 2.1m Bronze Manly Primary School, Sydney Australia Remembrance Trust
2006 Sculpture representing Sisters of Mercy in Bronze, Mater Hospital, Crows Nest
2005 Manning Horses, three bronze horses, 3/5 life size, Manning building foyer
2003 Clangalan Racehorse 60cm Bronze, Australian Jockey Club
2003 Aust. Armed Services personnel, 2.4 x 2m Bronze wall plaque Mittagong RSL
2000 Australian WW1 ‘Digger’ 4.2m bronze, Anzac Bridge, Sydney
2000 Bronze Phoenix, 2m Bronze, Paul Keating Park, Bankstown
1999 Bronze Bull, 1 1/3 life size bronze, World Square
1995 Sir Henry Parkes, 2.4m bronze, Centennial Park
1993 Three works, bronze soldiers National Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Numerous sculptures held in private collections in Australia, NZ, UK and USA.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- “Alan Somerville is an unashamed Modernist, whose sculptures and drawings are steeped in the expressionist style of Rodin, Degas and Daumier. Somerville’s grasp of shape and form is as self-evident as is his dynamic depiction and romantic notion of the human anatomy. Poetic territories are explored, and these qualities are borne from his uncompromising dedication and understanding of a medium that few present day figurative sculptors possess. Movement and expression is important to Somerville, his work seeks to capture dignity which emanates within, and the subject is never static. For Somerville, it’s not a simple representation, not just a single dimensional concept. It is more about the soul and the spirit that dwells within. “ Ernie Salerno Gallery owner
- “This outstanding work with its shimmering impressionistic surface outrageously pushes the principles of the great Rodin into the 21st Century” James Deas, Fine Arts Dealer, Curator William Bowmore Collection.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
- Salerno Gallery, Glebe
- Frances Keevill Gallery, Double Bay
- Max Taylor Gallery, Summer Hill
- Artsite Gallery, Camperdown
- Galeria Aniela, Kangaroo Valley
- Incinerator Art Space, Willoughby
- Numerous Group Exhibitions with the Sculptors Society and others
Alan Somerville and his painting at the PAA Exhibition, Victorian Art Society 2014
AWARDS
- Sculptors Society NSW Darling Park, Viewers Choice 2001
- Wyong Arts Festival, Sculpture Award for bronze male figure, 2000
- Sydney Royal Easter Show 1st prize figurative & 1st prize Animal sculpture 1998
- Ku-ring-gai Art Society Grand Prize ‘Best in Show’ plus 1st and 2nd prize for drawing and watercolour 1997
- Wyong Arts Festival, Sculpture Prize 1997
- Willoughby City Art Pize, Viewers Choice Sculpture and Viewers Choice in Drawing 1996
- Castle Hill Blossom Festival, special Mayoral award in Sculpture and 1st and 2nd in drawing, water colour, and oil painting 1996 & 1997
- Wyong Arts Festival, special Sculpture prize,1997
- Royal NSW Canine Art Show – Overall best in Art show exhibit award for Sculpture and for watercolour, plus 1st prize in sculpture, water colour and Drawing section 1995 & 1996
- Sydney Combined Art Societies, 1st prize Watercolour
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
- Royal Art Society of NSW, North Sydney
- Northbridge School of Visual Arts
- Sydney Sculpture School, Gladesville
- Alan also conducts weekend workshops throughout the year at various venues
For further information, please contact:
Linda Londish – Agent/Manager – Somerville Fine Art – Phone: (02)9550 4911
Email: linda@somervillefineart.com
WEBSITE : www.alansomerville.com