Bowlers and Umbrellas at Bondi Beach

Yesterday morning, Andrew Baines (surrealist artist from Adelaide) gathered 50 volunteers formally suited with bowler hats and umbrellas for his next "human sculpture" The venue was one of my favourite places - Bondi Beach. They waded into the surf and faced the incoming tide and held their black umbrellas aloft. Joggers, early morning surfers and tourists looking on in bemusement. It was also one of the coldest winter mornings this year!!. I just love some of the photos which were taken yesterday morning.

A photographer in action!

British born Baines explained that his art was influenced by memories of being confronted as a teenager on the London Underground (on a trip back to England with his father to visit relatives) by a sea of businessmen in bowler hats. He says it's his metaphorical way of letting the corporate battery hens escape from the grey city streets and cramped office halls and long staff hours - to enjoy nature. He has previously staged similar installations at Manly, St Kilda and Henley in South Australia.