Creatively warding off COVID

IN response to the widespread fear and uncertainty associated with COVID-19, Thai-born Australian based ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa crafted a collection of playful COVID Superheroes.

Currently on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the colourful superhero ceramic figurines were inspired by the stories and experiences of Ballarat residents.

Working with the City of Ballarat last year, Srivilasa was originally invited to conduct workshops as part of the Ballarat Open Studios program but due to COVID, was forced to pivot his plans.

Instead of continuing with online workshops, a call-out to Ballarat residents was made asking them to describe or draw a COVID superhero as a way of expressing their feelings of the pandemic.

“The council was kind and said they wanted to still honour the artist fee and wanted me to come up with something else,” Srivilasa said.

“I came up with the idea of COVID Superheroes and it worked because we didn’t have to see anybody but still work with other people and include the community.

“I thought it would be great if each different superhero had a superpower that could ward off COVID-19 and people sent stories to us, the council chose the best ten and sent them to me.”

Studying the selection of stories and images, Srivilasa said he tried to have some fun with the prompts when deciding how the figurines would eventually look.

“There was such a variety for me to work with and be inspired by,” he said.

“The stories led me to incorporate new techniques and ways of working because COVID affected me as well and I wanted to make sure I included that in the process.

“I was isolated and stuck at the studio for a long time so I wanted to use that time to produce something that I have never done, usually I mix Asian decorative practices with European figurines but with these I tried to do something different.”

One of the participating authors for the project Maryann Hulbert said she hopes visitors to the exhibition can enjoy Vipoo’s beautiful interpretations of raw experiences of the pandemic.

“My story in particular was about peace, love and understanding because there wasn’t a lot of that going on,” she said.

“We were scared and all I wanted really was for people to understand, be thoughtful and kind and this is what came out of it.

“I’ve never had anything manifested out of my words before and it’s exactly how I would have imagined it so it’s just beautiful.”

Satisfied with the outcome of the project, Srivilasa said he hopes visitors can take the time to have a bit of fun with the artworks.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise, especially the design of the exhibition, they have really played with the idea of superhero and the colours, I think it’s payed off well,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be so serious, even though it touches on serious things it’s still accessible and fun.

“I hope kids can come through and enjoy it and find a way to connect with art.”

Srivilasa’s COVID Superheroes exhibition can be viewed at the Ballarat Art Gallery until 18 April.