Australian Aboriginal Fabric Lampshade:Yams

This lampshade was made from Yams, a fabric designed and hand-printed by Merrepen Arts Centre, Nauiyu Nambiyu, Daly River, N.T. The name Merrepen comes from Livistonia Palm (commonly known as the cabbage-tree palm) which grows on the banks of the Daly River. It was chosen in recognition of the founding women. Designer: Gracie Kumbi is a painter, printmaker and fabric designer. Some of her graphic style fabric designs feature the Merrepen palm leaves. Her designs are included in the collection of the Powerhouse Museum and North Territory Government collection. Fabric designs from Gracie were included in the 2020 group exhibition at the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles. Gracie had a painting commissioned for the Darwin airport and has a glass panel made with her design on it. Design: The elements of this design reveal an intimate understanding of ecology and the natural environment, combined with the artists  own personal history and experiences.