Australia’s design makers will take over the Geelong Gallery with a new exhibition showcasing the finalists of the MAKE Award.
The 55 Little Malop Street gallery will display the works of the 30 award finalists from August 10 to October 27, including winner and ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa.
Mr Srivilasa said “it was a really good feeling” to be the winner of the 2023 MAKE Award, receiving a cash prize of $35,000, but he was surprised as many good art pieces were submitted.
“You keep working and making exhibitions, and sometimes you feel self-doubt… So, winning an award like this means that I still got it and I’m doing okay,” he said.
“Some pieces take three to four weeks to make, and when you put it in the kiln, you don’t know if it will survive. So, it’s fun when you open the kiln and see the result.
“There’s also a lot of excitement in opening the kiln… It’s one of those art forms where you have to let go of your control in the kiln and, once you finish the piece, it’s not finished until you fire it.”
Mr Srivilasa said he enjoyed creating the award-winning four-piece ceramic collection, Diverse Dominion Deities, which was made from different types of clay and represented the Australian people.
“I like the idea of making a lump of clay into something beautiful, and it’s fun to touch and create something with my hand,” he said.
“I used different types of clays to represent different kind of artists, potters or people who use clay in the community. It’s a metaphor for Australia’s different cultures and how we come together.”
Artworks from the 2023 MAKE Award will be showcased at the Geelong Gallery from 10am to 5pm from August 10 to October 27.
