The National Gallery of Australia showcases the vibrant designs of Australian fashion icons Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson alongside Ukrainian artist Sonia Delaunay, emphasizing their cultural influence.
A new exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is drawing attention to the influential contributions of Australian designers Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson, alongside the pioneering works of Ukrainian-born artist Sonia Delaunay. The exhibition, titled “Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay,” explores the connections between the three artists and showcases their vibrant textile designs that have marked significant milestones in the evolution of Australian fashion.
Kee and Jackson emerged as key figures in the Australian fashion scene in the 1980s, characterized by their use of flamboyant colors and bold patterns. Their work gained international recognition, notably when Princess Diana donned a Jenny Kee-designed koala jumper, which made headlines around the world. According to NGA curator Simeran Maxwell, the duo’s designs aimed to redefine what it meant to be Australian in a fashion context. Maxwell stated, “They were making a concerted effort to make being Australian less culturally cringey,” emphasizing that Kee and Jackson were unaware of the historical significance of their innovative approach at the time.
The influence of Sonia Delaunay, known for her bright colors and geometric patterns, looms large over Kee and Jackson, although the two designers never met her. Maxwell explained that they had seen reproductions of Delaunay’s work and encountered her art in Paris. This exposure broadened their understanding of the intersection between fashion and art, leading them to create original designs that reflected their own cultural identity.
The exhibition features garments from Kee and Jackson’s archives, highlighting the exuberance of 1980s fashion and their innovative knitting techniques. In addition to their collections, the exhibition also displays prints, drawings, textiles, and costumes by Delaunay, including several abstract prints that have undergone restoration and will be shown to the public for the first time.
Kee and Jackson’s participation in the development of the exhibition underscores their ongoing relationship with the NGA. Kee, in particular, has a historical connection to the gallery, having designed a silk scarf to commemorate its opening in 1982. The “Know My Name” project at the NGA aims to elevate the works of women artists in Australia, making this exhibition an important part of that initiative.
The exhibition will be open to the public starting from Saturday, allowing visitors to delve into the vibrant interplay of art and fashion through the lens of these three influential women.
Source: Noah Wire Services
