Local artist blooms at Melbourne garden show

SOARING FREE.. Shepparton artist Mark Niglia will unveil his latest sculpture work at the The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show happening now and over the weekend. Photo: Supplied.

TODAY the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event returns to Melbourne, where Shepparton-based sculptor’s work is on display amongst stunning displays of flora and art over the weekend.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will run until Sunday, April 3, after a two-year hiatus. Award-winning artist, Mark Niglia is a finalist within the Arts and Sculpture Precinct in the show.

Mark creates a wide breadth of emotion through his horse sculptures, depicting strength, power, and the wild calmness that a horse can possess uniquely in each of his works.

Liberta, which means freedom in Italian, is a sculpture bred from the impact of the pandemic and “response of turmoil and forced decisions.”

“My work was inspired by lockdown, the endurance of people and how we have changed,” Mark said. In his artists statement, he wrote,

“Find comfort in human resilience and spirit as we all rise to become stronger and build strength from our experiences. Fly away and free yourself.”

“The show is back after two years, and it is one of the biggest garden shows in this hemisphere. Whether you just want to get out of the house, or you are looking for garden renovation ideas, this is an unmissable event.”

For more of Mark’s work, find him on Facebook, Instagram or visit his website www.marknigliasculpture.com. For tickets and to learn more about the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, visit www.melbflowershow.com.au

SOARING FREE.. Shepparton artist Mark Niglia will unveil his latest sculpture work at the The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show happening now and over the weekend. Photo: Supplied.