Inanimate animations: carnivalesque reflections on the folly of the human condition

My research project has investigated the carnivalisation of modern political culture by making a series of satirical ceramic and mixed-media sculptures. I have focused on the problem of translating the idea of the satirical or animated cartoon into a complex three-dimensional form. Cartoon by its very nature is ephemeral and has a broad current appeal. On the other hand, the interpretation of this idea into a medium, such as ceramic, that is static, time consuming to make and has the ability to last generations, posed its own problems, which I sought to address throughout this project.

Through the process of slip casting I have created a three-dimensional cartoon strip which dissects the highs and lows of Julia Gillard’s term as our first female Prime Minister – a very significant time for Australia politically and historically. My sculptures feature caricatured images of politicians interacting with each other and with the viewer. Sporting arenas, the circus and Hollywood blockbusters have been employed as metaphors for the societal-gladiatorial rings in which MPs such as Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott competed for their survival. By placing our favourite politicians in bizarre and ridiculous scenarios that borrowed heavily from popular culture, I aimed to highlight the interaction between the carnivalisation of our cultural experiences, and the increasingly debased character of political debate.