Andres Institute of Art holds international sculpture symposium
Three artists from different parts of the world will have three weeks to craft a sculpture along the 12-mile trail of the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline for the annual Bridges and Connections Sculpture Symposium. There will be multiple events at the Institute throughout the artists’ residencies, including dinners with the artists and a closing ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 8, when attendees can view their sculptures.
The Andres Institute of Art was established by Paul Andres and John Weidman in 1998 and has been holding the symposium since 1999, according to Gail Bloom, the president of the Institute.
“This year we’ve added [events] because we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary,” she said. “We have the opening ceremony, there will be a meet and greet with the artists … a showcase … [and] during the course of the three weeks we’re going to have two dinners.”
There are currently 98 sculptures throughout the sculpture park. This year’s symposium artists who will be adding to the collection are Ivona Biocic Mandic, from Croatia; Renubala Kashyap Rajput, from India, and Finn Cossar, from Australia.
“I’ve always created things whether it be sculptures or playing around with bits of wood,” Cossar said. “I’ve always been drawn to certain materials like rocks or metal or copper.”
After high school Cossar studied screen and media to pursue a career in film. When the film industry shut down due to the pandemic, he used the time to focus on his passion.
“Since there was no work for film I thought why not have a crack at doing the sculptures, which is what I always wanted to do … [and] I’ve always loved doing,” he said.
During the pandemic, Cossar made two large works, including a stone and metal tensegrity sculpture, which he says were very well-received.
“Ever since then I’ve been trying to push myself and create better and better works,” he said. “I think I really found my feet over the last couple of years and I’ve become more confident making large works, entering them into festivals, being recognized by local councils and meeting new artists, so I think I really found something that resonates.”
While camping, Cossar was contacted by the directors of the Swell Sculpture Festival in Australia, who told him about the sculpture symposium at the Andres Institute of Art.
“Immediately I jumped in my car and drove down to the town, where I had internet, and quickly filled out my portfolio,” he said. “I think it was two days later I got a call from Natasha, who’s the creator of Swell, and she said, ‘Pack your bags, you’re going to America,’” he said.
For Cossar, an artist’s residency and America are both new experiences.
“I have no idea what to expect,” he said. “[When] putting yourself in a completely new creative biome [I think] something amazing will come of it. … When you get creative minds together and share their creativity and create something beautiful that lasts for lifetimes, I think that’s extremely special. I’m extremely appreciative and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Bridges and Connections Sculpture Symposium at Andres Institute of Art
Symposium artist showcase
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m.
Where: Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline) Welcome Center
Cost: Free
Dinner with symposium artists
When: Friday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:10 p.m.)
Where: Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline) Welcome Center
Cost: $38
Cedi’s Tasty Treats Food Truck and music by kNowhere Kids
When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline). Music in the Welcome Center.
Panel discussion: Art in the public sphere
When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m.
Where: Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline) Welcome Center
Cost: Free
Closing ceremony
When: Sunday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m.
Where: Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13, Brookline)
Cost: Free.
