Vipoo is a finalist in the 2025 Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW with his work Silent Allies.
‘The flowers incorporated into this piece are a metaphor for friendship,’ says Vipoo Srivilasa, a Thai-born, Melbourne-based ceramicist whose playful artworks explore themes of migration, spirituality and human connection. ‘Just as flowers brighten our surroundings and bring beauty to our lives, friendships blossom and grow, adding colour and vibrancy to our experiences. They remind us that, like a well-tended garden, friendships require care and attention, but the rewards are boundless.’
A first-time Wynne Prize finalist who is also a finalist in the 2025 Archibald Prize, Srivilasa honours his cherished circle of friends by adorning this figurative sculpture with small characters that ‘symbolise the warmth and companionship that enrich life’. These are the ‘silent allies’ of his title – people to keep close during difficult times.
The character’s fingers form ‘V’ signs as ‘a universal gesture of peace, friendship and happiness,’ Srivilasa explains. ‘Despite the challenges we face, we can find solace and strength in our connections with others. By including this symbol, I want to convey that everything is okay, and that together, we can create a peaceful and joyful world.’
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