Lifeforms brings together a retrospective of Adelaide sculptor Peter Syndicas’ practice dating back to 1997 when his figurative twig journey began. Showcasing some of his personal favourites, alongside some of the most popular and unique works from the last two decades within the context of newer forms.
CATALOGUE ESSAY by Jane Llewellyn, 2024 South Australian sculptor Peter Syndicas has created a unique practice based on searching for shapes in nature that resemble the human body. His work encompasses bronze sculptures inspired by twigs and stone pieces derived from coral. By creating these human-like structures, Syndicas draws attention to often overlooked elements of nature. Lifeforms is a retrospective exhibition showcasing these two distinct styles and celebrates the beauty found in nature.
Even though Syndicas grew up surrounded by art (his father, Anthony was an artist) he didn’t want to be an artist himself. He started out working in the advertising industry before discovering a twig on a camping trip in Licola, Victoria in 1997 that changed the course of his career. While holding a twig over a campfire, Syndicas noticed it resembled a human figure, and this moment sparked a newfound appreciation for the power of nature. This was the start of Syndicas’ journey as a sculptor.
Over the last three decades, Syndicas has created a distinct practice based on discovering figurative forms in nature, recreating them as sculptures and pushing the shape as far as possible while maintaining the human form. He is fascinated with patterns and shapes observed in nature. He is particularly interested in organic fractals, the infinite patterns replicated throughout all forms of nature. Syndicas’ sculptures reflect this as he carefully selects twigs that he magnifies in scale and immortalises in bronze.
Encouraged by his friend and mentor, renowned sculptor Silvio Apponyi, Syndicas began experimenting with stone but realised he couldn’t create the same twig shapes using this medium. He came across a piece of coral that resembled a torso and he realised he could create forms in stone and remove the arms similar to Roman Statues with missing limbs and sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
While Syndicas doesn’t have any formal training, he has mastered various mediums and has a particular passion for working in stone. He relies on instinct and his ongoing connection to nature to create stunning sculptures. Each twig or piece of coral he uncovers is unique and has been shaped by the environment in which it was found. It’s this connection to place that Syndicas encapsulates in his delicately carved pieces.
In 2017, while sourcing stone for his sculptures, Syndicas uncovered a stromatolite, the earliest fossil evidence of life on Earth. He immediately became fascinated by them and has since unearthed multiple different types of fossils with unique patterns. Through his sculptural forms, Syndicas brings life back to things that have been lying dormant. He uses the unique pattern of each stromatolite to inform the shape of the sculpture. For Syndicas this is like a collaboration between himself and the stone.
Lifeforms features works dating back to 1997, when Syndicas’ figurative twig journey began, as well as recent works, demonstrating his evolution as a sculptor. It presents some of his personal favourites alongside some of the most popular and unique works within the context of newer forms. The exhibition highlights Syndicas’ ongoing interest in natural, organic forms.
ARTIST PROFILE Since beginning his sculptural practice in 1997 Peter Syndicas has shown widely within both curated and award exhibitions. In 2018 he was announced as the Winner of the Sculpture for Sight Award held within the grounds of St Marks College in North Adelaide. He has been a finalist in the Toorak Village Sculpture Exhibition (2019, 2018) and the Waterhouse Natural History Prize (2022, 2014, 2008, 2007, 2005). He recently participated in the South Australian Living Artists Festival (2021, 2020, 2018) and the Heysen Sculpture Biennial (2019), located at the historic Hans Heysen studio and gardens in the Adelaide Hills.
