This work is a finalist in the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2024, and is on show at the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf until 20 October 2024.

These William Versace sculptures are comprised of a found relic and cast bronze. For the bronze element, the artist employs a process called lost wax casting which involves the artist creating a sculpture of hot wax – thoughtfully shaping, pouring and dripping – a before the mould is made and bronze is cast.

Assembling two objects of contrasting value, William questions the things that we value, why we value what we value, what determines value and who decided that it was valuable. “Who’s history are you preserving? Why are you preserving the heritage? Why is it important?” asks William. “Arbitrary notions of importance are always fascinating to me. Particularly in this country. What and who determines importance of different aspects of objects or culture.”

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands – Kamay, more specifically, Bunnabi, the north headland of Botany Bay, on Gadigal land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.

Signed on base