Vipoo Srivilasa has been invited to be the lead artist of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial.
Flower Bear Deity, an interactive art exhibition by Vipoo Srivilasa, is included in the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial 2024 (IOTA24).
The Flower Bears series was inspired by an 18th-century Meissen Snowball Blossoms teapot, which I admired for its intricate hand-painted blossoms that demanded immense patience and skill. During my residency in Jingdezhen, China, in 2010, I began creating sculptures influenced by Tang Dynasty court ladies, whose plum-shaped figures symbolized wealth and health.
Over time, these forms naturally evolved into bear-like shapes, adding a playful, approachable charm that reflects my own personality. By combining delicate porcelain flowers with these whimsical bear figures, I aimed to create works that balance technical excellence with a lighthearted, accessible quality.
IOTA24 is a not-for-profit arts organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. It presents the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial every three years, featuring a major international exhibition, a conference, a large satellite festival, and various other events and activities. IOTA24 has activated the WA community with over 70 exhibitions in a community-led festival program themed 'Codes in Parallel,' connecting communities through a celebration of craft, culture, and collaboration.