Joseph Breikers and Timothy P Kerr: Eight Embarrassed Males

Overview

Trying to do something creative isn't easy, especially in the institutionalised world of contemporary art. There's the difficulty of finding inspiration, the skill required to paint, sculpt or otherwise fashion something from nothing, the constant need to source funding, and the awkwardness of seeking external validation.

It's little wonder, then, that artists Joseph Breikers and Timothy P Kerr have collaborated on an exhibition that brings all this to the fore, and does so with a clear sense of humour. Even the moniker of their combined showcase — Eight Embarrassed Males — is meant to make you laugh. Immediately, you're picturing an awkward group of anxious artists standing around. And, if you know your Swedish performance pieces, you might've cottoned on to the title's misremembering of the work Ten Embarrassed Men by Annika Ström.

Featuring a series of tongue-in-cheek installations designed to elicit giggles — such as a large banner boldly encouraging compliments as well as an obscenely large donation box — Breikers and Kerr have fashioned a collection that observes, amuses and critiques the world at its centre all at once. Expect artistic ambivalence conveyed via drawing, sculpture, sound and video. And, if you're keen to find out more, the duo will be on hand on August 24 for an Artist's Talk.