MAS-X.3 by Shane Keeling
This year's Christmas Tree is a nine-foot sculpture of shattered porcelain toys
Introducing MAS-X.3
We’re delighted to unveil MAS-X.3, this year’s Christmas tree installation by acclaimed artist Shane Keeling.
A complete reimagining of the traditional Christmas tree, MAS-X.3 is a striking, 9-foot sculpture crafted entirely from broken porcelain, carefully reconstructed and interwoven with an illuminous light. This bold and imaginative piece takes centre stage in our reception, welcoming guests throughout the festive period.
Read on to find out more about Shane’s vision for the tree, and be sure to stop by to see the installation for yourself.
Shane's Vision
“My intention is to redefine and refine what a Christmas tree could be through the fragmentation and reconstruction of consumerist products associated with the holidays.
By reproducing toys in a more valuable material, I’m subverting their original context. From loud, playable and disposable to quiet, craft and then post-craft.
Unlike plastic, Porcelain is a material with notions. It’s the most expensive clay body, often associated with luxury for both maker and consumer. It’s made to be cherished, not to be disposed of. Even when broken.
Though the artwork is stripped back to a simple monotone pallet, porcelains pure white and cool lighting, the piece is ferocious and vibrant. An artwork that’s serious about its silliness.”
Artwork Interpretation
“I want the artwork to surprise visitors. I want them to be intrigued and curious. Even confused. I want them to think about it and maybe even go back for another look and see if they can spot a fragment of their own favourite toy snuggled within. I want it to spark nostalgia. I want them to ask What’s that? Why is it broken? What does it mean? Am I suppose to get it? Why do I love this so much or is it annoying me?. Like all good fine art, I want it to have more questions than answers.
Ultimately, I’ve made a massive, unplayable toy for Christmas. Made to be pondered, not touched.
My work is aligned with the post-craft movement. I care more about what the ceramic says as opposed to upholding and repeating ancient practices. Clay has unique properties that allow me to tell complex, layered stories through my artwork that I just haven’t found with any other material I’ve worked with. It’s steeped in history and tradition, both culturally and domestically. Ceramic carries within it all of those things before I even get my hands on it. It’s a magical, powerful material.
This artwork is the perfect extension of my philosophy of making and I’m incredibly proud of it.”