Fashion meets art: Spotlight on Māori artists in upcoming Zeenya Artist Collection
NZ owned activewear label, Zeenya Clothing, known for their unapologetically loud designs are on the search for a Māori artist or designer to create a third print for their upcoming Artist Collection inspired by colour, to sit alongside artist collaborations with Otis Frizzell and Diya Dasgupta.
Driven by social issues and a love of colour, Zeenya owner, Chloe Wickman, has always been curious about indigenous art and awareness of the great inequality and disharmony that exists
across the globe. The upheaval of last year was a catalyst that shaped this particular collection.
“2020 shook up the world, with Covid, social isolation and the Black Lives Matter movement. It got me thinking about what I can do with my own privilege, and how I could help elevate the stories of others. I’m so fortunate to have a business and community to allow me to do this through bespoke collections with emerging artists,” says Wickman.
With much anticipation for who the third artist will be to join the collaboration, the collection is headed up by Otis Frizzell, known for his graffiti street style pop-art, exploring controversial issues and eye-catching aesthetics.
“My art is influenced by my father and the traditionally subversive art scenes of tattoo, pop culture and street art.”
Otis’s design commissioned by Zeenya incorporates graffiti that would feel right at home on the wall of a back alley.
The second artist named in the collection is Sydney based designer Diya Dasgupta who lives and breathes colour. With a heavy influence from her Indian upbringing, she is inspired by intricate patterns creating joyful movement.
“I’m inspired by my environment and internal feelings. I create with music as a way to unlock my creative potential”.
With fine detail and fresh colours, Diya’s print will have you feeling like you’re skipping through a fresh spring field.
Zeenya’s goal is to create a platform for artists and designers who submit their work.
“This isn’t just about one person, it’s about the collective and creating a space for us to all learn and grow through the stories of these works of art”.
Submissions for Māori artists and designers open on the 19th of May and are open until the 14th of June. Finalists will be selected and have their artwork and stories shared throughout the Zeenya network. The winner will receive a cash prize of $1000 and have their artwork turned into a limited edition print which will be featured in their New Zealand made styles. The designs will be judged by Tauranga Whakairo Artist, Todd Couper alongside contemporary Māori Artist Arohanoa Mathews (Arohanoa Artistry). The finished collection will be available for public sale late October, early November.
