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Late artist Bronwyn Oliver’s sculpture Tide sells for more than $1m

Bronwyn Oliver at Chelsea College of Art in 1983 (Image: Catherine Hunter)

In short:

“Tides,” a work by the late Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver, sold at auction for $1.25 million.

The number breaks the record set by Joel Elenberg a year ago.

What’s next?

The successful purchaser is a private collector and the work will remain in Australia.

A sculpture by the late Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver has set a record price for an Australian sculpture at auction.

Ms. Oliver died in 2006 at the age of 47, but her work continues to fascinate and inspire art lovers around the world.

Last night, her 2000 bronze snake sculpture, Tide, sold at auction for $1.25 million.

The figure breaks the previous record of $1.125 million set a year ago by Joel Elenberg for a black marble mask sculpture.

Late artist Bronwyn Oliver's sculpture 'Tide' sells for more than $1 million

Bronwyn Oliver’s sculpture Tide. (Image credit: Smith & Singer)

Geoffrey Smith, chairman of Smith and Singer auctioneers, which sold the work, said the result was a significant milestone.

He said it was the highest price ever paid for an Australian sculpture at auction.

“This is an absolutely exciting result, not only for Bronwyn Oliver as an outstanding Australian artist, but for Australian sculpture and Australian art in general.

“This piece is considered her finest and largest work. It was made entirely by her hand.

“It’s a thrilling work, its complexity, its beauty.

“Bronwen Oliver’s inspiration is from the natural world, her technique is vital and this piece is stunning and breathtaking.”

Bronwyn Oliver, née Gooda, grew up in Beaulieu near Gum Flat in northern New South Wales and went to school in Inverell.

Legacy of beauty

The four-metre-high sculpture, which had been hanging on the wall of Sydney’s Quay restaurant until it was sold this week, was commissioned by the Fink family.

Ms Oliver’s sculptures are inspired by nature and are reminiscent of plants or sea creatures.

She is well known for her expertise in metalworking.

Mr Smith said: “This is a piece that truly transcends the material and is a wonderful piece to be admired.

“This work sets a new milestone for Australian art and truly strengthens the confidence of the Australian art market.”

The successful purchaser is a private collector and the work will remain in Australia.

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