Balarinji: ancient culture, contemporary design

Visitors to Balarinji: ancient culture, contemporary design discovered what Qantas, AAT Kings, Coca-Cola™ , a Japanese kimono and Indigenous Dreaming stories have in common at the first-ever exhibition by Balarinji, an Indigenous graphic design studio.

Balarinji: ancient culture, contemporary design, was a compilation of innovative and Indigenous graphic design work spanning 20 years.

The exhibition incorporated a contemporary display of graphic works and three- dimensional objects by the progressive studio made famous by their iconic and vibrantly painted Qantas Wunala (kangaroo) Dreaming 747 aircraft.

On display were corporate commissions such as the Qantas aircraft models, Coca-Cola™ bottle artwork; graphic design poster and banner works; community works; Balarinji retail products including a Balarinji designed Japanese silk kimono and individual artwork pieces.

In addition to the captivating Indigenous Dreaming stories, bold earthy colours and diverse cutting-edge design applications, the exhibition also told the inspiring story of Balarinji’s pioneering company owner, John Moriarty, as an Indigenous Australian. From the humble beginnings of river turtle motifs printed on family bed linen, grew a multi-disciplinary contemporary Indigenous design house with operations stretching across four continents.