EVERY KIND OF SHAPE

Artist Statement

An exhibition of nine new ceramic sculptures by Kenny Pittock.

When learning to draw we’re often taught to break down everything we see into five basic geometric shapes- the triangle, the oblong, the circle, the square and the oval. Every Kind of Shape attempts to do the exact opposite, by replicating all 16 different variations of “Shapes”, the iconic range of Australian biscuits. The savoury snacks are stripped free from their branding and presented as abstract forms.

The everyday objects replicated here are a playful response to feeling like I’m not enough, or wanting things to be more than they are. This concern is most literally depicted through the invention of a 31cm ruler, for when a 30cm ruler isn’t quite long enough. This exhibition is an attempt to make sense of our world by placing things into an order, even if the things as simple as a box of chocolates.

Historians used to think the first wheel was invented for use in chariots but more recently they’ve discovered that the very first wheel was a potter’s wheel, so it’s only fitting that every re-invention of the wheel depicted in this exhibition is made out of clay.

The sprinkles have spilled. The balloon is let down. The ticket’s been ripped, the video’s chewed up and the wheels have fallen off. But despite all these disappointments somehow all of the works in this exhibition maintain a sense of humour and remain full of hope. Every Kind of Shape is a celebration of the mundane, broadcast proudly through a squeaky recorder.

Kenny Pittock (1988) is a Melbourne based artist working primarily with ceramic sculpture and painting. Kenny’s work combines words, play and wordplay, along with just a dash of anxiety, to respond to contemporary Australian iconography and culture.

Kenny has exhibited his work in many great acronyms including ACCA, PICA, MUMA and MONA FOMA. Kenny has consistently exhibited all over Australia, as well as having solo exhibitions in Italy and Singapore.

Kenny has been the recipient of several art awards including the 2017 Redlands Emerging Artist Award, and his work is represented in many public collections including Deakin University, Monash University, Melbourne University, ING Bank, and the City of Melbourne State Collection.

We would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which this exhibition is taking place, and pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.