The Rip Curl Pro Sunmart Classic, Bells Beach Australia
Date2000
Object number00045320
NameProgram
MediumPaper, ink.
DimensionsOverall: 299 x 206 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Marcus Shaw
DescriptionThis Rip Curl Pro Sunsmart Classic 2000 program includes details of the men's and women's surfing events, contestant profiles and advertisements for surfing products. The cover features an illustration titled 'Linework' by artist Glenn Romanis which tells the story of Bells and Winkipop beaches.HistoryToday elite professional surfers face a gruelling circuit of international competitions and long distance travel. The tour is governed by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The Sunset Classic and Rip Curl Pro held at Bells Beach in Victoria, are the only Australian events on the ASP World Tour.
Artist Glenn Romanis explains the Rip Curl Pro Sunsmart Classic 2000 program cover illustration 'Linework' in this statement:
'The shape of the Bell is used because of the European name of the site. Within is a traditionally inspired design used by the Wathaurong and Kulin nation. These designs were also used on possum cloaks, shields and bark huts. This shape is divided by dreaming tracks which give life to the image and place, past, present and future. It maps the area and acknowledges the spirit beings and Bungil (edge tail eagle) the entity who created the area.
The line down the middle maps the coast between Southside and lowers at Winkipop. The circle represents resting places but can also be seen as a connection story. The linework on the right represents land and geological structure (lines within rock found on the Bells cliff) and linework on the left symbolizes swell lines moving along the reef. The white down the middle represents local breaks and white water from Southside to Lowers at Winki. The illustration on the Bells cliff and coastline with a surfer executing a bottom turn gives an impression of power and speed. The essence of what surfing at Bells is all about. 'Linework' shows how the story and imagery have been told here since the dream time and the way a surfer picks his/her individual lines on a wave is what makes the port and lifestyle unique.'
SignificanceThis program shows how the annual surfing contest at Bells Beach has developed into a world class event which attracts elite surfers from around the world, and a high powered commercial sporting venture. The cover illustration uses a traditionally inspired Watherong and Kulin design within a bell shape to symbolise Indigenous and European links to Bells Beach.
