All images courtesy of Vipoo, shared with permissionVipoos Exuberant Porcelain Characters Emanate Optimism and TogethernessDecember 6, 2024ArtCraftKate MothesBorn and raised in Thailand, Vipoo Srivilasawho often goes simply by Vipoomoved to Melbourne more than two decades ago, where hes created ceramic works that engage with concepts like queerness, migration, and spirituality.Vipoo emphasizes community, accessibility, and unwavering optimism in elegant yet playful porcelain sculptures (previously). In a range of glazes, from cobalt to gold luster to bright red, his dynamic characters gesture with their fingers in a V shape, usually denoting hopeful messages like peace or victory. Others appear to dance, wave, or cheer.Albert (2022)Titles like Salutaris, the Patron of Well-being or Calma, the Spirit of Tranquility, designate many of the figures with protective or uplifting roles. Vipoo taps into universal tenets of strong relationships and communities, like trust, fairness, and togetherness.The artists solo exhition re/JOY at the Australian Design Centre highlights a wide range of stories about peoples migration to different parts of Australia. Drawing on personal stories and mementos collected from strangers around the country, he shares diverse experiences that contribute to a collective story.re/JOY continues through February 19 in Darlinghurst, just outside of Sydney. And accompanying the show, a vibrant new monograph titled Positive Art Work celebrates 25 years of the artists career. Find more on Vipoos website and Instagram.Circle of Trust (2023)Salutaris, the Patron of Well-being (2024)Calma, the Spirit of Tranquillity (2024)Shadowed Ally and White Blossoms (2023)Temporus, the Master of Time (2024)Detail of a sculpture from re/JOYPrevious articleNext article