New Exuberance
There are exciting things happening in the textiles space. So much so that Adelaide’s JAM FACTORY is exhibiting the latest touring exhibition New Exuberance: Contemporary Australian Textile Design. The exhibition is celebrating the work of emerging and established textile creatives through art, design and fashion.
Presenting pieces from over 30 diverse and multidisciplinary creatives, including Indigenous artists and designers, the exhibition – curated by Meryl Ryan in collaboration with Adelaide’s JamFactory, is not one to miss.
If loud and proud is your thing, add Nixi Killick to your list of creatives bringing home the colour. With oversized zippers, colourful & cool leggings and colour for days, Nixi creates clothing that makes confetti look dull.
Romance was Born, established by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales in 2005, is a contemporary fashion house that produces statement pieces with frilly fabrics and incredibly intricate beading.
Fans would already be aware of their collaboration with First Nations artists Atong Atem and The Social Studio. Art by Atong Atem, inspired by walks along the Merri Creek, feature in an ethically produced capsule collection by the duo in collaboration with The Social Studio. Thoughtful, moody pieces in loose silhouettes from this collaboration offer a distinct contrast with the bright patterns and intricate beading that Romance is Born is known for, also on display.
The innovative Iordanes Spyridon Gogos creates pieces that are sustainable, futuristic, and gender diverse. Known for his massive proportions, quirky silhouettes and dazzling cacophony of colours, Gogos’s work has been described in some quarters as electrifying. Two of his pieces, not shown here, are included in this exciting exhibition.
Award-winning Gunditjmara and Torres Straight Islander artist Lisa Waup has been collaborating with Melbourne fashion designer Verner since 2017 to produce exciting fashion that’s as eye catching as it is well designed. Expect to see a few pieces from their latest collaboration.
Queer artist, designer and Marrithiyel man Paul McCann closed the recent Melbourne Fashion Festival to wild applause with a show-stopping formal gown and menswear suiting. Combining, sequins, hand painting and mixed textiles, in less than two years Paul has established himself as a renowned artist and designer of artisanal gowns and mens suits. Take the opportunity to see his work up close, there’s more to see.
WAH-WAH, created by Kaylene Milner, is a street wear brand that is inspired by old record covers, gig posters, and comic books. The wooly “wearable art” is bold, bright, cheerful and fun. (See featured Image)
With many other renowned creatives featured, New Exuberance: Contemporary Australian Textile Design is showing at JamFactory now, until 23 April. Entry is free.
Featured Image: @wah_wah_australia
Featured Image Credits:
Photographer: Lexi Laphor
Models: Julie Faint & Kirthana Selvaraj
Stylist: Kirsty Barros
Make-Up: Celeste Gubb
Hair: Elaska
Art: Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Clogs: Birkenstock
Please note: Images in this post are different to works included in the New Exuberance exhibition
