Inaugural award celebrating innovation in craft and design

The Australian Design Centre has announced the winners of the inaugural Make Award, a new biennial prize for innovation in Australian craft and design.

Melbourne designer Vipoo Srivilasa was awarded the $35,000 first prize for his Diverse Dominion Deities - a collection of four "mythical creatures to serve as vessels for the deities."

The collection is made from mass produced ceramic animals sourced from the internet that are coated in industrial grade white spray with porcelain flowers attached using Blu-Tack, and topped with hand-made deities made from air-dried modelling clay.

"The Diverse Dominion Deities represent the strength, unity, and growth that come from embracing diversity," Srivilasa said in a statement. "Manifesting as a group of four entities, they represent cultural, racial, gender, and thinking diversity. I created the Diverse Dominion Deities to shed light on the fragility of diversity in Australia."

"Through the combination of various materials and techniques, I portray the diverse clay world: mass production symbolises commercial products, porcelain represents high art, and air-dry clay signifies hobbies. Cultural diversity is reflected in this amalgamation."

"My work underscores the importance of valuing and preserving cultural diversity while acknowledging the ongoing efforts required for harmonious coexistence," he continued.

"Vipoo Srivilasa is a serious artist who has truly developed over the recent years. His piece is complete in its the composition and stands out beyond all other works in the competition for innovation, creativity and the progression of his individual practice."