Make your own handbag with Scotty So

Scotty So is one of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary artists. He works across media including ceramic, painting, photography, sculpture, site-specific installations, videos and performance. Fascinated by camp, his work often presents a humorous face which on further engagement frequently has a deeper, more thought provoking meaning or sub-text. Born and raised in Hong Kong, So’s work has been shown in Australia, China, Hong Kong and Europe including at the National Gallery of Victoria and Bendigo Art Gallery.

Join Scotty as he introduces you to his art practice and then guides you through how to make a handbag out of a laundry bag. A simple idea but with a much deeper meaning. As he explains ‘The idea is basically inspired by my laundry bag cheongsam and Birkin bag in relation to Hong Kong identity and immigration.’

A cheongsam is a straight, close-fitting silk dress with a high neck and slit skirt, often worn by Chinese and Indonesian women. Birkin bags are made by the French fashion house Hermes and named after the British actress Jane Birkin. They are some of the finest high-quality leather bags in the world.

This very special workshop is an opportunity to make your own handbag out of an everyday object whilst thinking about identity, immigration, and high fashion. All this whilst working with a contemporary artist with an international reputation.

Ages 18 upwards

This is an outdoor workshop. Please dress appropriately and bring a bottle of water if required.