We are proud to house a collection of high-performance fabric and wall covering designs by Walmatjarri Aboriginal artist, Jimmy Pike (1940-2002)
Taking flora and fauna inspiration unique to his Australian desert life, Jimmy Pike utilised whatever medium he needed to express his stories in his art, and not necessarily traditional ones. Lino printing was a favourite medium and he had a passion for the vibrancy of felt tip pens.
Having been sent photos and scans of Jimmy’s artwork, our Materialised designers were able to translate his art into repeatable prints for contemporary textile and wall coverings.
Rekindling a collection of designs by such an artist as Jimmy, by arguably the most innovative furnishing house in Australasia, is a powerful offering for the interior design world!
Jimmy Pike
Textiles & Wall Covering
From the deserts of Western Australia this man has transcended cultures and technologies amazingly and seamlessly, all the way to the digital era.
During the 1988 Bi Centenary a journalist asked Jimmy, “What do you think of the celebrations?” Jimmy responded, “I don’t know much about it. But we’ve all got to work together.” Such a simple yet profound way of thinking seems even more poignant today.
DESERT DESIGNS, JIMMY PIKE TRUST
Desert Designs was founded in 1985 to promote Jimmy Pike’s art and design at the highest possible level. When asked about the new collaboration with Materialised, Stephen Culley says,
“This is how Pikes legacy will grow, as indeed will the depth of the Australian visual language. Through Materialised’s commitment to excellence, a bridge is built between mainstream Australia and the consumer that will ensure the indigenous voice is understood… That its energy is maintained and celebrated, destined to grow ever stronger.”
Jimmy Pike Collection
Furnishing Textiles & Wall Covering
This “desert goes digital” collection offers a contemporary interpretation of an amazing, timeless range of designs on modern high-quality fabrics and wall coverings from an iconic indigenous artist.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced a long history of exclusion from Australian history books, the Australian flag, the Australian anthem and for many years, Australian democracy. This history of dispossession and colonisation lies at the heart of the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians today.
Including recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in events, meetings and national symbols is one part of ending the exclusion that has been so damaging.
We at Materialised acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.