Public Curators Building

Ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa’s solo exhibition re/JOY represents his most significant body of work to date, and the largest he has
ever attempted.

For this collaborative community project Vipoo has taken seven precious, yet broken, ceramic objects donated by strangers, each with their own story of migration to different parts of Australia. These objects were acquired following a public call-out. From the responses Vipoo chose seven pieces and stories that resonated with him to create his striking new 1.5-metre-tall ceramic sculptures. These included a teapot made in Korea, a terracotta tile from India, and a clay sculpture from Mexico, all damaged in some way yet still precious. Vipoo has also made an eighth sculpture referencing his own experiences moving from Thailand to Australia, based around a button from his grandmother that holds strong family connections.

Australian Design Centre makes a significant contribution as a cultural organisation curating artist-led projects in contemporary craft and design. Through these projects we celebrate the value of objects and the importance of design in everyday life.

re/JOY aims to engage with overseas-born Australians, but anyone will recognise the connections we form with objects that hold special memories and can evoke strong emotions.

Curated by Lisa Cahill, ADC’s CEO and Artistic Director, and designed by Stephen Goddard, re/JOY captures the diversity of migration stories and how people build their different lives in Australia. It also looks at the complex feelings and challenges that come with relocating countries and finding a new place to belong, the pain of leaving family and friends, the difficulties of applying to stay.

re/JOY is a joyful, playful and hopeful project – a rich tapestry of humanity.

re/JOY is an Australian Design Centre (ADC On Tour) national touring exhibition, presented with assistance from the Australian Government Visions of Australia program and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.