In Rhubarbs’ vibrant world, art is a riotous playground where boundaries beg to be bulldozed, norms yearn to be unravelled, and seriousness dons a mischievous grin. Picture Rhubarbs as the timeless, but still whimsical spirit cloaked in garish pinks and brooding castleton greens, fearlessly confronting the starched academic norms of the art world. Rhubarbs exists as the masked persona of a burgeoning artist, her work divorced from the human element, a tantalizing mystery beneath the guise.
Nestled at the core of Rhubarbs’ artistic escapades lies a jubilant celebration of the interplay between creativity and nonconformity. Inspired by the artist’s own intersex condition, Rhubarbs spins a tale that transcends the mundane bounds of identity.
These works, plucked from the myriad collections that Rhubarbs guards, are all meticulously rendered in earthenware ceramic. Meet the recurring characters – the TittyToads and Mr Meat Weasel – loyal companions in Rhubarbs’ artistic odyssey. Mr Meat Weasel marks the inception of a new saga, Meat Weasel Royale (With Cheese), a hopeful prelude to a grand tapestry of interconnected works and viewer focused immersive installations.
The TittyToads, on the other hand, are Rhubarbs’ personal avatars, mirroring their experiences as an intersex artist. These whimsical creatures encapsulate the influence, both uplifting and challenging, that the people around them have wielded in shaping their journey.
Rhubarbs explained: ” I am absolutely delighted to be part of this exhibition and to have my characters on public display. Basically, these characters reflect the story of my life, with The Titty Toads mirroring my experiences as an intersex artist. These whimsical creatures encapsulate the influence, both uplifting and challenging, that the people around me have had in shaping my journey.
“This exhibition has given me the confidence and the desire to continue my artistic journey and I am now working on a new set of characters, including one called Bussy Cat. I couldn’t be happier turning my artistic dreams into reality.”
