Shepparton Art Museum to present a playful new Art Wall celebrating the region’s fruit preservation industry.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to present its latest Art Wall in May 2024. The new work by Narrm/Melbourne-based artist Kenny Pittock, will be a playful homage to the fruit growing and preserving industries of the Goulburn Valley. Titled Can You Peel The Love Tonight, this installation becomes the fifth commission for the Furphy Family Art Wall on SAM’s Level 4.

Kenny Pittock is a visual artist who works with ceramics, painting, and drawing to playfully critique the seemingly mundane, often using humour as an entry point to discuss topics such as anxiety, both on a personal level as well as on a global scale.

Can You Peel The Love Tonight draws inspiration from the iconic canned fruit produced in the region, presenting a large-scale still life painting that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Goulburn Valley and the community that dwells here in Pittock’s signature joyful style.

Melinda Martin, SAM CEO, says of the exhibition:

“This Art Wall from Kenny is a wonderful celebration of our region’s famed fruit preservation industry, and the people who have contributed to its growth and success over many decades. So many people in our region are connected to either the fruit growing or canning industry, sometimes across generations, and we’re so excited that Kenny has chosen them as the inspiration for his Art Wall commission. We invite everyone to visit SAM during the Art Wall’s exhibition and see their story expressed in Kenny’s playful work.”

On Saturday 18 May, Pittock will join SAM CEO Melinda Martin for free artist talk exploring his creative practice, inspirations, and the story behind his Art Wall commission.

Can You Peel The Love Tonight will be on display at SAM from 18 May 2024. To learn more about Kenny Pittock’s artist talk and reserve a spot, visit our website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-talks-kenny-pittock/

About Kenny Pittock:

Kenny Pittock (b. 1988 Melbourne) is an artist based in Narrm/Melbourne who works with ceramics, painting, and drawing to playfully critique the seemingly mundane, often using humour as an entry point to discuss topics such as anxiety, both on a personal level as well as on a global scale. Pittock has held solo exhibitions in Italy, Singapore, and New Zealand, as well as in many public institutions throughout Australia. Pittock's artworks are included in many public collections including Bendigo Art Gallery, Artbank, the University of Queensland, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Pittock is represented by MARS Gallery, Melbourne. 

Artist talk details:

SAM Talks: Kenny Pittock

Saturday 18 May, 11am-12pm

Level 4, SAM

Free – bookings encouraged: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-talks-kenny-pittock/

About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient culture of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM

p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au