Yarns at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2024
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is a unique national event, celebrated as one of Australia’s most important and internationally acclaimed arts showcases. 🎨Each August over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres gather on Larrakia Country in Darwin to showcase contemporary fine art and design. ⭐️NT Correspondent Tiesha Munnich-Hewitt was on the ground, chatting with Mob and visitors about their favourite moments during this week of celebrating and supporting Indigenous culture. 🙌🏾
To celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9, we asked Mob at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair what they cherish most about their culture.
Here’s what they shared with us. 🎤
Kahlia Rogers
Congratulations to Walmajarri, Gooniyandi, Bunuba and Martu model Kahlia Rogers for winning the 2024 Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award. 🏆
From Fitzroy Valley’s Wangkatjungka community, Kahlia has walked the runways from Paris to Darwin. ✨
Hoping to inspire the next generation her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication. 👏🏾
#countrytocouture #indigenousfashion #indigenousculture #nifa
DAAF 2024 kicks off!
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair has officially begun for another year, bringing nearly 100 art centres to the city. ✨At Wednesday’s opening, the new Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, highlighted the significance of such events in celebrating and embracing Indigenous culture. 👏🏾Minister McCarthy emphasised how the fair plays a crucial role in connecting communities and showcasing the richness of Indigenous art. 🎨
In case you missed the magic of Tuesday’s Country to Couture runway. ✨
Congratulations to all involved. 👏🏾
#indigenousaustralia #Indigenousfashionprojects #countrytocouture #countryroad #indigenousfashion
Jessica Mauboy
Style Up caught up with a special guest at Tuesday’s Country to Couture show, Jessica Mauboy. 🎤
Touching on the importance of Indigenous representation in the Australian fashion space, the Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman singer was eager to celebrate the incredible talent on show.✨
#JessicaMauboy #IndigenousAustralia #CountryToCouture
Country to Couture: Show 2 🌿
“Boundless”
Designers:
▪️Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Art Centre, ‘Big Colours’
▪️Sonya Coleman, Amna Qureshi, Melanie Sarantou, ‘Eleraze’
▪️Magpie Goose x Ewyenper Atwatye
▪️Bula Bula Arts x Black Cat Couture, ‘Soar’
▪️Djarli Creative, By Corina Jadai, ‘Juri’
▪️Ikuntji Artists
▪️Datlarwa Moydra X Akira, ‘Dungalaba’
▪️Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
▪️Buluuy Mirrii, ‘Miyaaymiyaay’ (Seven Sisters)
▪️Nagula Jarndu, ‘Kimberley Wedding’
▪️Blak Sand by Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery, ‘Yarabinjara Sea Country’
#countrytocouture #indigenousfashion #Indigenousfashionprojects #IndigenousExcellence
Style Up caught up with proud Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay/Ualaroi photographer Marley Morgan backstage of Country to Couture on Larrakia Country. 📸
In between shots, Morgan shared invaluable insights with emerging First Nations photographers, urging them to pursue their passions and never give up. 👏🏾
While celebrating the vibrant display of Indigenous talent at the show, Morgan emphasised the ongoing journey Australia faces in truly honouring and recognising Indigenous culture.
#IndigenousFashionProjects #CountrytoCouture #CountryRoad
Country to Couture: Show 1 🌿
“Under Fire”
Designers:
◾MumRed by Samala Cronin, ‘Fractured Country’
◾Debra Beale, ‘Truth be Told’
◾Yalanji Artists x Linda Jackson AO, ‘Underfire’
◾Yanggurdi, by Cassie Leatham, ‘Munganbiik’
◾DandalooSu, by Su Lousick, ‘Coat of Arms’
◾Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, ‘Dilly Bag and Mat Making’
◾Sarrita King x Edition
◾Blaklabel Dreaming, by Kristie Peters, ‘Yarrudhamarra’
◾Gammin Threads by Tahnee Edwards
◾Iltja Ntjarra
Proud Gurindji Waanyi woman Sarrita King has debuted her newest project through a bold collaboration with Australian fashion brand Edition at this year's Country to Couture. ✨
#Indigenousfashion #IndigenousFashionProjects #CountrytoCouture #CountryRoad
You've seen them on the Australian Fashion Week runway, and tomorrow they make their Style Up cover debut, stay tuned to see who will grace the July.
Releasing tomorrow, be sure to grab your copy of Style Up as an insert in the West Australian. 🗞️
Available on Wednesday in all other top publications nationwide and in the Northern Territory as an insert in the Herald Sun, Courier Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Mercury, The Advertiser, and NT News.
#IndigenousFashion #IndigenousExcellence #AustralianFashion
Style Up caught up with emerging fashion designer and Clothing the Gaps retail assistant, Nateesha to chat about NAIDOC Week, repping your values and what it means to be Blak, Loud and Proud. 🙌🏾
This week, Clothing the Gaps has captivated Melbourne Central shoppers with their impactful presence.
If you're in Naarm/Melbourne and haven't yet visited the pop-up store, be sure to drop by this weekend! 👏🏾
#NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek #IndigenousExcellence
A lawyer by trade, Style Up caught up with Gomeroi and Ngarabal weaver, Lauren Davies, the visionary behind Baawaa Weaving. 👏🏾
Showcasing at the NAIDOC in the City markets, Lauren walked us through the art of weaving and how her culture keeps her grounded after relocating to the city from a small coastal town. 🌊
Turning her passion to a business, Lauren says that she is inspired by the success of incredible First Nations talent on the scene such as Ngumpie Weaving.
Talented Whadjuk, Ballardong, and Arrernte artist J.D. Penangke adorned a beautiful Kirrikin dress with her artwork, which was worn by Narelda Jacobs at the National NAIDOC Award Ceremony. 👏🏾
The dress tells the story of Wilgki Boodjar, depicted through a map of red ochre pockets featuring animal tracks, meeting places, and rain, symbolising change and belonging.
Hand-painted with ink on silk, this masterpiece also features the work of @the_papa_giuseppe.
📸: J.D. Penangke
Māori Dance Artist Moss Te Ururangi Patterson x Bangarra Dance Theatre
As the former Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company, Moss Te Ururangi Patterson transformed it into New Zealand’s premier Indigenous dance company. 👏🏾
His acclaimed works, including Whakairo, Moko, and Haka, have graced international stages, and he choreographed the iconic New Zealand Rugby World Cup opening ceremony.
Now leading The New Zealand Dance Company and collaborating with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Moss is a passionate advocate for Māori culture and contemporary dance, striving to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists through vibrant intercultural dialogue and storytelling.
B-roll 🎥: Cass Eipper
After dedicating 12 years as a dancer with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Frances Rings has transitioned into her role as Co-CEO and Artistic Director of the acclaimed dance company. 🌟
In her first commission, Rings is excited to introduce audiences to new storytellers for Bangarra. 💃🏽
Having choreographed and co-created numerous critically acclaimed works for the company, she is eager to highlight international creatives through the compelling story of Horizon, steering the company in an innovative and fresh direction.
B-roll 🎥: Cass Eipper
Gamilaroi and Tongan man and dancer with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Daniel Mateo discusses the profound significance of ochre in their rituals and performances. 🏜️
Before each show, the dancers apply ochre, a practice that deeply connects them to their land and heritage. 👏🏾
It’s not just about aesthetic preparation; ochre symbolises integrity, reflecting their stories and identity in the Australian landscape. 🌿
For Daniel and his fellow dancers, wearing ochre from the Northern Territory, known as gapan, is a source of pride and a way to honour and share their cultural heritage on stage. ✨
Acclaimed Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson from the Lake Taupō region with ties to the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe, is celebrated internationally as an arts laureate for his deep Indigenous storytelling.
Collaborating with Bangarra Dance Theatre on their first mainstage cross-cultural production, Horizon, Patterson highlights the importance of building connections and blending cultural narratives through dance to create a shared, aspirational future for all generations. 👏🏾
With Horizon taking centre stage in our June edition, be sure to pick up your copy as an insert in the Herald Sun, Courier Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Mercury, The Advertiser, and NT News. 🗞️
B-roll 🎥: Cass Eipper
Step behind the scenes with us as we capture Bangarra on Gadigal Land! 🎥🎬
Highlighting Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s foremost performing arts company of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers, renowned for their profound storytelling through contemporary dance and theatre. 🌟
As they debut their groundbreaking cross-cultural collaboration, Horizon, it’s a privilege to showcase their exceptional talent in our June edition.
Be sure to grab your copy tomorrow, available as an insert in the Herald Sun, Courier Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Mercury, The Advertiser, and NT News. 🗞️
Style Up had the privilege of an exclusive interview with Frances Rings, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Bangarra Dance Theatre, to discuss their upcoming production, Horizon. 👏🏾
Horizon is a tribute to the First Peoples of the Oceania region, encompassing the continent now known as Australia, the Torres Strait Islands, and our southern neighbour, Aotearoa.
This narrative of resilience delves into the cultural forces that unite us, transcending oceans and ages. ✨
Touring the east coast until September, Horizon is a performance you won’t want to miss. 🌊
🎥: Cass Eipper