First-time Archibald finalist Vipoo Srivilasa is a Thai-born Australian artist, based in Melbourne. He works predominantly in ceramics, creating contemporary porcelain sculptures that address complex issues around queerness, migration, the environment and spirituality.
‘I’ve had my two Burmese cats for 14 years. They arrived around the same time as I bought my house in Melbourne. At first, I used them as subjects to practise my painting skills, but over time, I realised I simply loved looking at them,’ he says.
‘To create this self-portrait, I used my phone in selfie mode instead of a mirror, but I found far more joy in observing my cats than in looking at my reflection.
‘Since I work primarily with ceramics, I chose to paint it on a handmade porcelain tile. In Thailand, painting on porcelain is common and often seen in ritual wares. This connection to porcelain reflects my Thai background and ceramic practice, while the cats represent my everyday life and experiences in Australia.
‘I see this self-portrait as both playful and personal, blending identity, culture, and affection for my feline companions into a single frame.’
