Coping
An exhibition about grief, delight & a pub community.
After my mum died I didn’t know how I would be creative again. To cope, I focused on delight.
These sock puppets exist because of a pub community and are in honour of the positive way my mum chose interaction, colour and laughter throughout her life.
‘Coping’ exhibition included over 60 individual pieces displayed across two venues: Little Window Gallery, and neighbouring Panacea Bar in Collingwood.
During the exhibition, guests created a photo wall of selfies with the original fabric sock puppets, and were invited to participate in a 2-part conversation series “Let’s Talk About Death” with Death Doula Kiri Bear.
‘Coping’ premiered in May 2026
Contact me to enquire about purchasing an artwork or for hi-resolution photos: hello [at] maxharman.au
'Peck' - Portrait Sock Puppet #1, Acrylic paint, block mounted 45x36.5 cm
'Delita' - Portrait Sock Puppet #2, Acrylic paint, block mounted 45x33cm
'Sparkplug' - Portrait Sock Puppet #3, Acrylic paint, block mounted 51.5x34.5cm
'Banter' - Portrait Sock Puppet #4, Acrylic paint, block mounted 51.5x34.5cm
'Hip Hip' - Portrait Sock Puppet #5, Acrylic paint, block mounted 68.5x50cm
'True' - Portrait Sock Puppet #6, Acrylic paint, block mounted 68.5x50cm
'Rona & Gert' - Portrait Sock Puppet #7, Acrylic paint, block mounted 56x48.5cm
'Mo' - Portrait Sock Puppet #8, Acrylic paint, block mounted 56x48.5cm
'Al' - Portrait Sock Puppet #9, Acrylic paint, block mounted 60x50.5cm
'Babes' - Portrait Sock Puppet #10, Acrylic paint, block mounted 60x50.5cm
'Luv' - Portrait Sock Puppet #11, Acrylic paint, block mounted 66x53.5cm
'Janski' - Portrait Sock Puppet #12, Acrylic paint, block mounted 66x53.5cm
Let's Talk About Death conversation series, with Death Doula Kiri Bear
Original sock puppets made to singalong to 'Hey Jude' in the front bar of The Retreat Hotel Abbotsford
'Every cloud has a silver lining', Acrylic Sheet 42x28x9cm
'Love from your proud mum', Acrylic Sheet 42x28x9cm
'Your hair looks fabulous!', Acrylic Sheet 42x28x9cm
'Peck' - Watercolour study P1, 21x14.8 cm
'Rona & Gert' - Watercolour study P7v1, 21x14.8 cm
'Rona & Gert' - Watercolour study P7v2, 21x14.8 cm
'Luv' - Watercolour study P11, 21x14.8 cm
Sock Puppet Silhouettes, Mobile, 50x80x60
Mini Sock Puppet Silhouettes, Mobile, Acrylic Sheet, 47x30x30
Handmade invitations for Coping Exhibition