FRUIT BOWL
Studies of Queer life.
These playful works draw attention to the many experiences that are encountered by homosexual males, as well as openly questioning social constructions of shame, anonymity and sexuality, but in a way that can be viewed as whimsical and lighthearted. Situated in what can sometimes be assumed to be a highly sexualised culture; a culture that can be seen as dangerous and unclean. Added to this that many of these encounters and experiences happen within a public setting. A reflection of gay cruising culture and party culture weighted with broad assumptions put on the community by those from the outside.
These works are shown in a way that is almost cleansingly clinical compared to the idea of sex or public sexual experiences. Each revealing elements of personal experience yet also refusing to give details, holding onto the anonymity of each encounter. A lighthearted way to show a part of many homosexual’s sexual history that can be viewed as negative, problematic and confronting. Drawing on slightly different aspects of gay culture but ultimately interpreting common experiences into a playful representation, documenting aspects of queer life.
Fruit Bowl
2018
1/1 - 570 x 380 x 360
White ceramic bananas presented in a white ceramic urinal.
Finalist Wallace Art Awards 2019
Playful work revealing elements of personal experiences yet also refusing to give details, holding onto the anonymity of each encounter through the clean clinical look of white porcelain compared to the idea of sex or public sexual experiences referenced by each hand sculpted banana.
Fruit Bowl II
2019
5/5 - 545 x 330 x 350
White ceramic bananas presented in a white ceramic urinal.
2020 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 3D, Craigs Investment Partners Art Award
Playful, whimsical and lighthearted work openly questioning social constructions of shame, anonymity and sexuality. Revealing elements of personal experiences yet also refusing to give details, holding onto the anonymity of each encounter through the clean clinical look of white porcelain vs the idea of sex or public sexual experiences referenced by each hand sculpted banana.
''White porcelain, so redolent of cleaning and cleanliness, are key to this work’s sly humour. Unlike Duchamp’s famous, bedpan-like object, today’s urinal is more like a wall-mounted vase, here bearing some very strange fruit. So often a stand-in for a body part, the bananas here rigidly overflow their containment, threatening to spill out onto the floor. The artist writes about questioning shame; this work joyously challenges and transcends disapprobation.'' - Ruth Watson
Fruit Bowl III
2021
2/2 - 380 x 600 x 340
White ceramic bananas presented in polished stainless steel urinal.
Reflecting elements of personal experience yet refusing to give details, holding onto the anonymity of each encounter. This playful works bring to light many experiences that are encountered by homosexual males, openly questioning social constructions of shame, anonymity and sexuality, but in a way that can be viewed as whimsical and light hearted. Unlike Duchamp’s famous, bedpan-like object, today’s polished urinal is more like a wall-mounted vase, here bearing some familiar fruit. So often a stand-in for a body part, the bananas here rigidly overflow their containment, threatening to spill out onto the floor.
Fruit Bowl IV
2021
1/1 - 570 x 350 x 360
White ceramic bananas presented in white ceramic urinal.
Finalist for New Zealand Contemporary Art Awards 2021 - Waikato Museum
Fruit Bowl V
2021
AP - 500 x 320 x 330
White ceramic bananas presented in white ceramic urinal.
Finalist for Portage Ceramic Art Award 2021 - Te Uru Gallery
Fruit Bowl Noir
2023
1/1 588 x 500 x 365
Ceramic Urinal with Bronze Grate and Bronze Banana
On the surface, this artwork may appear absurd or even comical, with its playful juxtaposition of a functional object and a whimsical fruit. Yet, upon deeper reflection, it raises questions about the nature of masculinity, sexuality and ideas around shame and pride. Drawing upon the rich history of art to create a thought-provoking work that challenges the viewer to reconsider their assumptions about these concepts.
