EXHIBITION
By MARIA DUNNE
culture editor

The "unbridled wonder" of childhood is the inspiration behind a vibrantly colourful art installation from Perth artist Tanya Schultz on show at the Ian Potter Gallery.

Schultz, who works under the pseudonym Pip & Pop, makes bright and psychedelic work, with glitter, stickers, washi tape, powdered sugar and paper among her standard materials.

Schultz refers to her artworks as different "lands", each immersive in its own way. Separating these artworks makes it easier for the viewer to judge the work independently. Many choose to sit and gather their thoughts within the room.

The work can seem aggressive at first. The wallpaper of the room is a weird psychedelic kaleidoscope of toys, candy and colours that messes with your eyes after long exposure. The only refuge for your eyes is the plain roof.

Public response can be mixed. One viewer told me it "looked like a unicorn threw up in here". Another said they immediately thought of "candy". Others admired the "fantastical and whimsical nature" of the piece and its ability to make you feel "happy".

Schultz’s push for the inner child invites a younger audience to interact with the piece, encouraging primary school children to use the work as inspiration for their own artwork.

"The kids would love this ... it's so bright and colourful," one viewer at the exhibition said. 

Going to see it a second time, the overwhelming sensation of stumbling into a room full of bright colours is removed, yet the same problems resurface.

The piece intends to play with your perception with its optical illusions but still evokes feelings of happiness and optimism.

"I hope that audiences find the installation to be a dizzying, bountiful and expansive work with a sense of optimism,” Schultz says.

"Pip & Pop: On days like this there are always rainbows" is at the Ian Potter Gallery at the NGV until the end of March.