An Artful Alphabet

“An Artful Alphabet” by Pamela Irving comprises of 26 wall sculptures representing the 26 letters of the alphabet. Each figurative sculpture reimagines and incorporates discarded objects—notably toys and dolls—transforming them into new, playful, kooky, and thought-provoking characters.

Behind their cheerful, sometimes maniacal faces, are complex critiques of modern materiality combined with a quest to explore the alphabet.

Each letter, in the form of a figure, is artfully constructed from recognisable and often popular childhood things such as Ken and Barbie, plastic animals and wooden blocks. The objects are contained within old cigar boxes and biscuit tins. The exhibition is designed for adults and children to discover what can be represented by each letter.

Through these creations, as well as her fascination with the alphabet, Irving examines the contradictions of waste and material culture. They are a playful exploration into the circularity of waste and over consumerism and demonstrates what new forms can be created from the mundane and discarded.

Unapologetically facing towards our fast-paced, stuff-filled world, Irving’s mischievous ‘Artful Alphabet’ reflect both hopefulness and absurdity in the face of climate change and environmental demise. Her playful figures hope to bring joy and wonder to its viewers.

Pamela Irving is an award-winning Australian painter and sculptor. She has exhibited her paintings and sculpture and mosaics consistently since 1982.

Pamela’s artworks can be found in public and private collections in Australia and Internationally. Collections include Museum Victoria, Artbank, Geelong Art Gallery, MAR Ravenna in Italy.

Her works are unashamedly joyous and often colourful. Her own Studio + Gallery is located at 68 Patterson Road, Bentleigh. At the Gallery you will find a constantly changing display of paintings, drawings and sculpture.