Pansy Ass Ceramics
Working in the postmodern tradition of paradox and appropriation, Pansy Ass Ceramics' creations are subversive, naughty with a touch of saccharine sweetness.
The Toronto-based duo, Kris Aaron and Andrew Walker started hijacking bric-a-brac ceramics beginning in 2015. They overpainted antique pottery pieces, like those found in thrift shops or in grandma's basement, with sexy images, humor, and slogans from contemporary queer or drag culture.
As their practice grew, the duo adopted slip-casted porcelain, creating their own objects that adhered to the same themes and motifs. They materialize sex toys in delicate porcelain, don stuffed toys in leather collars and BDSM gear, and have brought to life a cast of characters caught in the midst of performative sex acts.
The duo’s combination of ‘fine’ material and kitsch subject matter is reminiscent of the 1980s and ‘90s postmodern pop pastiches of Jeff Koons, Mike Kelly, or Rob Pruitt. The duo appropriates the traditionally conservative and antiquated medium of fine porcelain, overwriting a contemporary sensibility of sex appeal and queer culture.
Pansy Ass Ceramics have exhibited extensively around the world including at the Museum of Sex (New York City), Tacit Gallery (Melbourne, Australia), SPRING/BREAK art fair (New York City), the Tom of Finland Foundation (Los Angeles), and the DAIS Gallery (Toronto). …
Working in the postmodern tradition of paradox and appropriation, Pansy Ass Ceramics' creations are subversive, naughty with a touch of saccharine sweetness.
The Toronto-based duo, Kris Aaron and Andrew Walker started hijacking bric-a-brac ceramics beginning in 2015. They overpainted antique pottery pieces, like those found in thrift shops or in grandma's basement, with sexy images, humor, and slogans from contemporary queer or drag culture.
As their practice grew, the duo adopted slip-casted porcelain, creating their own objects that adhered to the same themes and motifs. They materialize sex toys in delicate porcelain, don stuffed toys in leather collars and BDSM gear, and have brought to life a cast of characters caught in the midst of performative sex acts.
The duo’s combination of ‘fine’ material and kitsch subject matter is reminiscent of the 1980s and ‘90s postmodern pop pastiches of Jeff Koons, Mike Kelly, or Rob Pruitt. The duo appropriates the traditionally conservative and antiquated medium of fine porcelain, overwriting a contemporary sensibility of sex appeal and queer culture.
Pansy Ass Ceramics have exhibited extensively around the world including at the Museum of Sex (New York City), Tacit Gallery (Melbourne, Australia), SPRING/BREAK art fair (New York City), the Tom of Finland Foundation (Los Angeles), and the DAIS Gallery (Toronto). They have been featured in numerous publications including Paper Magazine, ARTnews, and Out Magazine.
Courtesy of Caviar 20
