James Rogers has been announced as the recipient of the $70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2025.

Based in Walcha, NSW, James is recognised as one of Australia’s pre-eminent sculptors and has exhibited in Sculpture by the Sea 20 times, including the very first exhibition in 1997.

James’s winning work "Siren’s Song" is placed along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, part of the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition featuring over 90 sculptures by artists from 13 countries.

“I’m delighted to be this year’s recipient of the Aqualand Sculpture Award. Having worked with the Sculpture by the Sea team for many years now it really means a lot to me to be recognised in this way.” – James Rogers

In his review of Scultpure by the Sea, Bondi 2025 art critic John McDonald writes "Siren’s Song, an elegant abstract work in which strands of metal allude to the rise and fall of the nearby waves" is "a worthy winner".

The biggest congratulations to James on this richly deserved honour, and for continuing to shape the Australian sculptural landscape with such dedication and artistry.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi runs until 3 November 2025.