Written in Wood: Kevin Perkins' works inspired by Richard Flanagan

Kevin Perkins, Sound of One Hand Clapping, 2023,  Huon pine, horizontal scrub, ebony, brass. Photo credit: Department of State Growth, Rudi de Beer

Recently opened at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Written in Wood: Kevin Perkins inspired by Richard Flanagan, is an exhibition which features five sculptural pieces by Tasmanian artist and designer maker Kevin Perkins. Each work is inspired by one of acclaimed Tasmanian writer Richard Flanagan’s novels. These include: ‘Death of a River Guide’, ‘The Sound of One Hand Clapping’, ‘Gould’s Book of Fish’, ‘Wanting’, and ‘Question 7’.

Kevin Perkins, Question 7, 2024, Huon pine, celery top pine, tung oil finish. Photo credit: Department State of Growth, Rudi de Beer

Perkins uses the naturally occurring shapes of the timber as a starting point for both design and for the narrative inherent in all his work. He contrasts their aged, organic surfaces and shapes with geometric planes of freshly exposed, luminous wood. Perkins is a master carver, and several works incorporate naturalistic carved elements that also draw on the found shapes of the timber.

Complementing the organic, he inscribes the surfaces with carved text in a characteristically precise serifed font.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is located at Dunn Place, Hobart, Tasmania. The exhibition runs until 30 March, 2025.

 ‘Written in Wood: Kevin Perkins inspired by Richard Flanagan’ installation view at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Photo credit: Department of State Growth, Rudi de Beer