Delinquent Angel: John Perceval’s ceramic angels

John Perceval AO was famously known for his elaborate paintings which were celebrated and analysed by many. While painting was the principal medium of choice during Perceval’s career, he did undertake and pursue another form of practice; sculpture. Using this method, Perceval created obscure looking objects with perplexing qualities, which have been iconic to his practice and are recognised as his ceramic angels.

Perceval was part of the avante-garde Angry Penguins movement which commenced in the 1940s. As a key figure in this group of talented artists, they each sort to bring about change to the modernist art movement in Australia. Between 1957 and 1962 – widely believed to have been one of Perceval’s most creative periods – he brought to life these treasured angels.

Now, for the first time in 40 years, Perceval’s ceramic angels are filling the gallery space of Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) in an exhibition titled ‘Delinquent Angel.’ This exhibition is one that brings together a collection of approximately 40 ceramic works. SAM was a fitting place to house the collection, having always wanted to curate this exhibition, SAM director Kirsten Paisley explains; “A big historical ceramic exhibition is a large undertaking and 2014 was the right year for us to deliver the project. We also felt that SAM was the right Art Museum to undertake the project due to the centrality of ceramics within our permanent collection.”

Perceval’s angels transfix your gaze at first glance. There is an expectation that these playful little creatures will come to life demanding you to notice their sinister nature. With their powerful demeanours it becomes fairly easy to form a connection with them, perhaps a subtle hint of sympathy is enticed as their expressions are emotive yet absent. The angels attract attention as they appear to be suspended in movement. Seeing the figurines positioned in close proximity to one another awakens a mystical scene igniting the detail built into each piece from the hand of their skilled creator.

The angels are a reflection of the artist, a personified object that suggests a multitude of intentions and influences. Influences to produce the angels came from a variety of areas within Perceval’s life, Kirsten Paisley explains; “His own life and children were definitely a big part of the humanising of the angel form. Perceval’s angels are not of the divine but of the earthly kind. They are more fashioned in the shape of the human condition, and infer the complexity of family relationships, and how divine and delinquent qualities coexist within individuals.”

Over the years, great emphasis has been placed on Perceval’s paintings and in some respects the sculptures did not seem to have received the attention they deserved. ‘Delinquent Angel’ reinforces this period where Perceval produced an outstanding number of angels all of them granted individual patience and care. Kirsten reflects, “Perceval made up to 100 ceramic sculptures of angels and they have not been documented or exhibited to date. This is a major remiss in our understanding and appreciation of this period of Australian art which needed to be addressed.” Now, due to SAM’s exhibition, this significant period in Perceval’s artistic practice can be experienced and admired by spectators allowing a deeper look into this rare and influential moment in Perceval’s life.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
Until 23 November, 2014
VIC

Two Angels, 1961, earthenware, 16.9 x 20.9 x 14.2 cm

Trevor and Friend, c. 1960, earthenware, a) 25.1 x 16.5 x 19.5 cm, b) 26 x 22.5 x 19.2 cm

Coutesy the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

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