The latest artist collaboration hits Adairs stores this week and this one sees the iconic mother-daughter duo Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood, of Indigenous Australian art business Miimi and Jiinda, in the spotlight. With organic cotton bed linen, tasselled cushions, printed table lights, robes, floor mats and fresh fragrances, the collection is inspired by the Aboriginal culture and the Gumbaynggirr land that the pair live on.
“Our creations are works of cultural renewal, telling visual stories that reflect our unique perspective and distinctive experience as Aboriginal women,” says Melissa, who was raised with a strong focus on Indigenous culture by her mother Lauren, a victim of the stolen generation. Taken when she was just nine years old, Lauren returned to her family nine years later, determined to rediscover her roots.
“She had to relearn the culture and was determined to raise us children culturally strong,” says Melissa, who was educated in weaving, painting and the local language by her proud mother, setting the scene for what was to come.
“Miimi and Jiinda began because I really wanted to build Mum’s confidence and give her a platform to share her gifts with the world. My passion to see my mother feel valued and build self confidence played a big role in this,” says Melissa.
“I am very passionate about reviving our culture, as well as being able to express my love and appreciation for my identity as an Aboriginal woman. When I create artworks, I feel a deep sense of connection to my ancestors,” says Melissa, who is responsible for the brand’s bright, bold and contemporary artworks while her mother is a master weaver.
“Mum has been painting and weaving most of her life, particularly with woven baskets and sculptures. This has inspired me to do the same and she has taught me so much,” says Melissa who explains that the decision to collaborate with Adairs was an easy one.
“As our business expands, we feel collaborations of this nature are the perfect way to showcase our art to a wider demographic. We have enjoyed exploring ways to project our art into the broader homewares space,” says Melissa.
The Adairs collaboration has been designed with both men and women in mind. “The deeper rich earthy tones represent masculinity and their grounded energy. On the other hand, the brighter, more bold colours are very soft and feminine but also strong and empowered, representing the matriarch. The collection holds a deep respect for land, culture and our elders.”
