It was so lovely to return to Mparntwe to visit the Ewyenper Atwatye artists, coordinate a fun little photoshoot, host a pop-up shop, and soak in all the beautiful artwork while connecting with so many people during the Desert Mob festival.
We’re now more than halfway through the Ewyenper Atwatye collection, and we always make it a point to do an 'on Country' photoshoot with the artists. Traveling for these shoots and pop-ups is quite the production! We bring along 6-8 large suitcases filled with clothes, racks, and hangers, so there were plenty of outfits for the artists to choose from.
A small group of artists joined us and graciously modeled the clothing that features their community's designs. It was truly a joy to see them feeling good about their creations, and watching them embody their stories was something really special. Capturing these moments in the backdrop of Mparntwe, with its rugged landscapes and unique natural light, portrayed a sense of connection to the land. The way the light changed throughout the day added this amazing energy to the shoot, making it all come together beautifully.
Tangentyere Artists are always very welcoming and let us take over there space with racks of clothing for our Pop-Ups. Ewyenper Atwatye Artists and Town Camp designs are a satellite project of Tangentyere Artists, so we work very closely with them through the development and roll out of this collection. The community are very passionate about supporting local artists, and love the new Magpie Goose collection and the opportunity to wear local Aboriginal designs.
The timing of our visit coincided with the Desert Mob festival, an event that brings together art from desert communities across central Australia. The festival is a celebration of artistic diversity and cultural expression, offering a unique window into the vast array of styles and narratives emerging from the desert regions. Walking through the exhibits, we were surrounded by an explosion of colours, textures, and stories that spoke of culture, people, and their connection to Country.
What made this trip even more memorable was witnessing the rare desert rain. This natural phenomenon is considered a blessing and is deeply significant to the local people. The rain fell gently, washing over the landscape and bringing a sense of renewal and life. It was a fitting prelude to the launch of our newest print, "Angkulye and Kwatye" (Clouds and Rain). The print is a tribute to the clouds and rain, capturing their ephemeral beauty and the life they bring to the desert.
Being in Mparntwe, surrounded by incredible art, vibrant culture, and the stunning natural environment, is always such a memorable experience. This trip was not just about showcasing a collection but about maintaining the connection with the artists and celebrating the stories that make it all so meaningful.