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Vipoo Srivilasa, an artist of global acclaim, has gracefully graced the art scene for over two decades. However, his artful presence in solo exhibitions within Thailand has been a poetic pause, lasting about four years.
His works have stretched far and wide, showcasing his masterpieces and crafting projects across the tapestry of nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, the Philippines, India, and beyond. Internationally celebrated, his artistry has been crowned with accolades, such as the 2021 Ceramic Artist of the Year by the esteemed American Ceramic Society in the United States.
In Australia, Srivilasa stands as the forefront ceramic artist of the nation, shaping clay with boundless creativity. His hands dance with ingenuity, ceaselessly crafting art within the private sanctum of ClayLAB studio in Melbourne. This journey has etched his name as an artist known for the seamless continuity of his artistic exploration, constantly seeking fresh possibilities for his timeless creations.
Eleganza Extravaganza Cats: The whimsical felines in clay mark his latest solo exhibition as he travels across countries, bringing forth a collection of new masterpieces directly from Melbourne to Bangkok. The enchanting showcase unfolds at SAC Gallery, inviting everyone to revel in the charm and allure of these delightful ceramic creations together.
'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats' is an exhibition that embraces the diverse tapestry of this world. At the age of 50, the artist gathers his love and passion, intertwining three elements:
One, cats,
Two, drag queens,
Three, Thai literatures
These profound passions are translated into imaginative blends within the clay, meticulously sculpted and kneaded, creating a masterpiece featured in the 'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats' exhibition. The skilled artistry brings to life the virtuous portrayal of a gracious feline inspired by an ancient folktale dating back to the King Rama 2nd era, particularly the narrative of 'Chaiyachet'. What adds a refreshing vibrancy to 'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats' is the collaborative innovation with sound designer 'Sirasar Boonma'. Together, they introduce a new, exhilarating dimension to the exhibition.
For those who follow the ceramic artistry of Thai artists, Srivilasa is a name that consistently emerges, never straying far from the act of shaping creations from the pliable earthly realm. His artworks vividly convey narratives of people, objects, thoughts, and diverse cultures through exquisitely crafted pieces. Guided by the unyielding philosophy of three interconnected principles, Srivilasa's works never fail to weave compelling tales that resonate endlessly.
ACCESSIBLE
POSITIVE
BEAUTIFUL
If you've ever fallen in love with his artworks through the exhibition 'THE MARRIAGE OF SANG THONG, DEVILS AND DEITIES, RED-EARED SOLDIER' previously held at SAC Gallery, we believe you will equally adore the Eleganza Extravaganza Cats.
To delve deeper into his latest collection, today, we will explore behind the scenes and introduce you to Srivilasa and 'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats' together.
For a richer experience, consider reading this interview alongside your exhibition visit, and you'll find yourself even more immersed in the artistry.
Following the 'THE MARRIAGE OF SANG THONG, DEVILS AND DEITIES, RED-EARED SOLDIER' exhibition, this marks the return of Vipoo Srivilasa to showcase your artwork in Thailand after a four-year hiatus. We've seen you exhibiting your work in various countries. Could you please share a bit about your experiences over these four years and the artistic endeavours you have undertaken during this time?
Over the past four years, I've been quite busy (laughs). This includes various Public Art projects, large-scale public installations that have adorned open spaces.
There have been three to four solo exhibitions and a project undertaken with an Online Community during the COVID-19 period, titled 'Wellness Deity 2021.' This project was later exhibited in Thailand at ATTA GALLERY. It revolves around the theme of inspiring and fostering positivity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, people were grappling with feelings of sadness. This was a period following the 'The Course of True Love 2019' exhibition with SAC Gallery.
Additionally, there's a part where I submitted works for competitions and received awards. One significant project is the 're/JOY Project', a large-scale artwork that narrates the stories of people relocating and establishing new roots through objects they carried from their hometowns. Each person's story is told through these objects, and there are quite a few of them – I can't remember them all (laughs).
This marks the third solo exhibition for 'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats' at SAC Gallery and a return to showcasing solo exhibitions in Thailand after four years. Which project have you enjoyed the most during the past four years?
‘Wellness Deity 2021’ is one that I particularly cherish. Another one is the project titled ‘Happy Australian’, a commissioned work from the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. They were organising an exhibition to celebrate their 25th anniversary and wanted a portrait that deviated from the conventional style. By posing the question of what happiness looks like for Australians, we decided to capture this essence through fashion.
We invited people to design outfits that they would love to wear on their happiest days. We then documented the reasons behind their choices and, in turn, reinterpreted these designs into ceramic sculptures, creating a unique art form inspired by their clothing.
We selected 10 individuals, and each outfit showcased what happiness means to them.
For example, one person finds joy in insect parties, as they noticed the disappearance of insects in their garden over the past few years. They wanted to capture a moment of utmost happiness, envisioning the return of insects to their garden. Consequently, they designed an outfit for afternoon tea, featuring insects as integral components.
As for another person, their happiness lies in marrying their partner. They dream of tying the knot with their loved one at Bondi Beach, a precious moment that holds significance only for them and their beloved, the two of them alone.
This project has shown us that art allows conversations to reach a deeper level, fostering greater openness. While direct conversations may sometimes fall short of creating this impact, inviting individuals to design their own outfits encourages a more profound sharing of personal stories. Through the design of their clothing, people are able to articulate and convey intimate aspects of their lives in a way that traditional conversations might not achieve.
I believe that communication through art is a way to allow people to engage with complex experiences, and sometimes, expressing oneself verbally can be challenging. Some individuals may have had negative experiences, making it difficult for them to speak or explain accurately. However, when given the opportunity to narrate through clothing, they can articulate their thoughts more effectively, conveying meaningful insights.
We notice that you enjoy narrating stories about people in a charming and detailed manner. Why do you emphasise focusing on the small, subtle details of humanity?
One reason is that I work alone in my private studio, and I spend about 10 months working solo in a year.
Therefore, the time I have the opportunity to meet people is limited to the few hours during the exhibition openings. Afterward, I return to the studio to continue working alone. It's a period that can be a bit lonely (laughs), so I decided to create projects that allow me to connect and converse with more people. It's like recharging my energy by reaching out and engaging with others.
Let's talk about your current solo exhibition ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’. What is the starting point of this exhibition?
It all began with a small idea—my love for cats. At home, I have two Burmese cats with short faces. Observing these cats has become a recurring theme in my artworks. I wanted to share their stories directly in the exhibition, but focusing solely on cats felt a bit too commonplace.
Now, let's rewind to the past – back in my school days at Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School. During that time, students had the opportunity to perform Khon, a traditional Thai dance-drama, also staged at the National Theatre. At that time, I participated in a play called ‘Chaiyachet’.
In one part of the story, there was a cat character, a friend who assisted the heroine in coming out to dance. The dance was known as ‘Chui Chai Nang Wi Lar’. When children witnessed it, they found the performance captivating and charming. In essence, it was an enchanting character.
When it comes to the topic of cats, it brings to mind this aspect. The character of Nang Wi Lar, played by a man, made me draw a connection to a Drag Queen. In this cat character, men with charisma take on the role, and the gestures and dance routines exhibit a floating and graceful quality.
At the opening day of the exhibition ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’, there was also this performance to enhance people's understanding of the concept. I combined these two elements because I feel that cats represent freedom and self-expression, much like Drag Queens who embody a high degree of freedom.
This isn't the first time you've drawn inspiration from Thai folk tales or literature for your artwork. Previously, you recounted the tale of ‘Honwichai-Khawi’ in the artwork ‘Room for Spirit and Tim’' and ‘Sangthong’ in ‘The Course of True Love’ exhibition. What fascinates you about these narratives?
It's in the subconscious, I suppose. When we live in different cities or countries, the quest for self-discovery or identity often involves revisiting our childhood and cultural roots. I explore how to make my artworks stand out from those of other artists, and the simplest way is to return to the cultural roots of ourselves.
I often think about various literary works that I have studied or played with and incorporate them into new contexts. Through reinterpretation, I adapt them to fit the present situation, creating a contemporary harmony.
The folktales and the narratives of diversity and gender identity may seem to belong to different realms, but how can you interconnect them?
Would you believe it? (Laughs) The idea just pops up on its own. When I'm working, there's a high level of concentration and focus. The Westerners call this the 'Flow state', where attention is fully engaged in the task, and ideas just bounce into the mind. It's like, 'Hey, this idea can go well with that one'. The process of ideation is not overly complex. Ideas gradually come up, and I piece them together bit by bit until a clear concept emerges.
Can you share your favorite part of the process when working on ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’? How is the creative process for your artwork?
When working on the porcelain dolls, I begin by shaping the clay into sheets, then cutting it into strips and connecting them, resembling threads woven together. I sculpt flower motifs to adorn the surface. Afterward, I proceed to fire the clay. Once the firing is complete, I apply a glaze and fire it for the second time. The final step involves embellishing with gold paint before the third firing. This is a brief overview of the process.
Why create art depicting white and black cats?
I have two cats, one with a light color and the other with a dark color. They serve as the inspiration for some elements in my artwork. Currently, white and black cats are quite popular. Regarding the combination of white and gold cats, I have already created artworks in that style. So, I wanted to try something different and chose to depict a black cat this time, as they are known for their high intelligence.
In the past, people used to believe that black cats brought bad luck. However, the truth is, black cats are incredibly charming, and the darker their fur, the more intelligent they tend to be. Nowadays, we often see in various media that many people love and adopt black cats, taking them to participate in fun activities and events. It has become a positive trend for black cats in this era. When people adopt cats, they may not initially choose black ones, but in reality, these cats don't bring any misfortune or sadness to those who have them nearby.
And as for the artwork featuring the cat patterned plate, what messages or themes do you want to communicate?
That set is an ornamental plate adorned with flowers. Flowers are a part of communication and expression of drag queens. It's a celebration of diversity, embellishing various elements to create a luxurious and eye-catching spectacle.
I painted the cat's face in pink, a color associated with the LGBTQ+ community for a long time. Although its history originated from unfortunate circumstances, the community has managed to redefine and embrace it, turning it into an identity for the cat community.
Each cat is inspired by the facial features of different drag queens I have encountered in life. Each one is transformed into a cat face, such as a white cat or a chubby cat. All of them represent drag queens I have seen in Bangkok, Melbourne, and those featured in media. I am fan of RuPaul's Drag Race, following the show since its first season.
In addition to cats and plates, there are also human sculptures.
Yes, it's a set of four pieces, featuring figures that are not cats. The hands are sculpted into a rabbit shape. Many people have asked me why the hands have to be in the form of a rabbit. I have been doing it this way for about three or four years, and it has become my signature style.
The rabbit design originated from a series I created called 'Happy Together.' During a period when people were feeling down, I wanted to uplift their spirits. So, I conducted research and found a study from a university that suggested looking at pictures of happy people could bring joy. Therefore, I believe that the simplest way to find happiness is by looking at pictures of happy people.
Happiness is contagious. A selfie is one of those images that make people happy. So, I went on a search for online selfies, and I found pictures of people giving the peace sign with two fingers. I decided to incorporate this into my work.
People can understand that it's the V sign or Victory Sign, which is a symbol of happiness. Thus, I decided to create small figurines of this gesture to spread joy. In communities like LGBTQ+, life can be challenging when alone, but with friends and supportive families, our lives can bloom like flowers. We can thrive, be happy, and continue to live fully.
This time, you also collaborated with Sirasar Boonma, a sound artist. How did this contribute to deepening the communication in ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’?
Yes, I collaborated with Boonma. Initially, I wanted it to be a sound room with only the purring sound of cats. When we are not feeling well, cats sense it and come close to us. When they hear that purring sound, they feel relaxed and stress-free. So, I wanted to create an installation with this sound.
Initially, I wanted to have only the sound of cats to allow people who enter to listen to it. However, the gallery wanted me to collaborate with a sound artist to deepen the work. Boonma came in at this point to help with the project. After hearing the concept, she thought that for it to be good, we should have both the sound of cats and the sounds we create for the artwork. This led to the creation of music to complement these elements.
So, if you listen, you'll hear the sound of cats and the sound we created for this artwork, merged with the new music that Boonma has produced. As you enter, you'll notice that the sound dimension has increased, not just the sound of cats alone.
Boonma recorded various formats in the studio for us, something we hadn't thought much about before. It turned out to be so much fun, and it made me think that in the future, I might be able to incorporate various sounds into our sculptures to create new dimensions for my works.
In addition to the exhibited artworks in the gallery, you also have small corners with books available for people to choose and read.
Ung (Jongsuwat Angsuvarnsiri, co-founder of SAC Gallery), the curator of the exhibition, envisions a corner similar to a small library where people can come in, read books, and explore various materials. The printed materials on the shelves include books related to the stories of drag queens, narratives about same-sex parents, and stories of dramas. This is intended to provide a basic level of education for those interested. If anyone is intrigued by a particular topic, they can later seek more details on their own. It serves as an additional activity beyond the exhibition.
Your work tells the story of drag, connecting with Lakorn Nok which men play the roles of women. Do you believe that your work is a part of driving social diversity?
When working, I draw inspiration from things close to me, such as cats and drag queens. It may not be a political movement or work to support campaigns directly. However, if the content in the artwork contributes to promoting diversity, that's okay. My main objective is to work towards creating happiness. If I find joy in my work, others will perceive and feel it. The subsequent interpretation and utilization may depend on the viewer's perspective and how the context is applied in various ways.
Following the conclusion of ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’ this March, do you have any forthcoming projects on the horizon?
There is a big upcoming project titled the re/JOY Project, scheduled to be exhibited at the Australian Design Centre in Sydney. This project focuses on migrants who have relocated to Australia.
I want them to share stories like these, which the general public may not have seen or heard through the objects they brought with them. For example, one person brought a soup bowl with two handles for us. It is broken, but it holds great significance for them. They also brought a pastry because it reminds them of their grandmother in England. Every Friday, their grandmother used to make chicken soup and serve it in this bowl for them. They left it behind because it serves as a symbol of their grandmother.
I am seeking individuals who have recently moved to reside in Australia for the re/JOY Project. The concept of the project involves inviting these newcomers to submit broken objects for us to examine. The idea is for migrants to share their personal stories through these items, remnants from their hometowns, even though they are now damaged. The project aims to prompt them to reflect on why they brought these objects and how they feel about them being broken.
Additionally, participants are encouraged to narrate their experiences of moving from their home countries to Australia, depicting the challenges they faced, including the process of relocation. The objective is to provide a platform for each person to share their unique journey through the broken objects they carry.
This project provides them with an opportunity to narrate the stories of their migration from England to Australia, covering various aspects such as dealing with paperwork and many others. All of these stories are conveyed through broken objects. We have taken these narratives and transformed them into works of art.
The exhibition is scheduled for 2024, although the project began in 2023. It is a significant undertaking, with one of the artworks being approximately half a meter in size, marking a departure from our usual scale.
In the professional aspect of an artist, when talking to artists across different age groups, those in their twenties are filled with enthusiasm and ambition, aspiring to become somebody. As they enter their thirties, they start to settle down, reflecting on what they have accomplished in their twenties. By the time they reach their forties, there is more self-assurance and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Therefore, I'm curious to know, as an artist who has been working in the art field for a long time and is now in their fifties, what expectations do you have for your artistic journey and life path?
It’s a big question, (laughs), I believe that my self-expansion has decreased.
First, I begin to feel satisfied with what I have and understand that the work I do may not please everyone. There may be some groups who like it and others who don't, or it could be indifferent.
Secondly, I feel that I should work in areas I can control. For example, events like Biennale or Art Basel, I cannot participate unless selected by the curators. Therefore, I should not tie my emotions or success to those specific events. Instead, I can connect my success to the work I create. For instance, molding a piece that survives the firing without cracking is a true measure of success because this is something I have more control over.
Looking at it this way, life becomes simpler and more joyful. When we were children, we had many desires, but as we grow older, we start to think, "Oh, it's not really necessary".
I may want people to feel good about the work I produce, but if they don't, it's okay. What matters is that I feel good about it myself. That's enough.
Working with clay makes me more resilient (laughs). If I fire a piece and it cracks, I think, "Well, it cracked, what can I do?" and then I make a new one. And so it goes on.
Speaking of the ‘Eleganza Extravaganza Cats’ exhibition, have your two cats already realized that you've brought them in as a source of inspiration for your artwork?
No clue! If they catch wind of it, they might hit me with a fine. So, when I make a sale, I guess I'll have to treat the cats or splurge on some fancy toys for them. (laughs)
Experience the charm of a delightful crowd of cats at the exhibition 'Eleganza Extravaganza Cats', showcased on the 1st floor of SAC Gallery from today until March 16, 2024
SAC Gallery is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays).
For further inquiries, please contact 092-455-6294 (Natruja).