ELYSSA SYKES-SMITH
Elyssa Sykes-Smith (b.1991, Australia) is an interprofessional, multidisciplinary artist working across public art, sculpture, installation, performance, socially engaged projects, education, and health research. In creating art for public space and designing participatory projects Elyssa seeks to distil complex, psychological states into multi-sensory experiences incorporating art practice, technology, architecture, psychology and the sciences. When the sculpture not only responds to a site but also brings it to life through the appearance of frozen movement, a dynamic relationship is created between the audience, artwork and surrounding environment. Key concerns involve encouraging her audience to experience an environment from an altered perspective and connecting to an artwork and the associated conceptual framework through a visceral, embodied response.
The motif of the sculpted figure to enhance architecture and public space has been used as a form of expression throughout history, proving to generate great emotive power which the public can easily relate to. Elyssa’s artworks present a contemporary development of this lineage, particularly inspired by the Baroque period. She seeks to translate the expressive qualities of the figure, exploring form, space and movement pushing the figure towards abstraction to explore issues of and experiences of humanity. Playing on the divide between the abstract and representational, her artworks are constructed through the use of multiple abstract forms in various materials, colours, and light to model the figure.
Professional sculpture experience includes the completion of many permanent and temporary public, corporate and private commissions. Elyssa is a passionate communicator and works well in teams to achieve ambitious projects. Dedicated to deepening her practice and developing her work for social benefit, Elyssa continues to advocate for human rights and environmental sustainability utilising the tools of art, research and education.
