Objects of desire

Fresh from winning two category accolades at the 2024 INDE.Awards, The Influencer and The Object, Trent Jansen, Tanya Singer, Errol Evans along with Johnny Nargoodah are off to London, UK to exhibit.

These exceptional designers are participating in London Design Festival that will run from Saturday 14^th September until Sunday 22nd September this year. The collaborators will present their work at the prestigious Mint Gallery in Duke Street W1U established by Lina Kanafani and renowned for its contemporary collections that embrace cutting edge design and showcase innovative one-off pieces.

The title of the exhibition, Boundless, introduces a limited-edition selection of furniture that comprise Manta Pilti Cabinet, Credenza and Low Chair designed by Singer and Jansen; Kutitji Chair by Evans and Jansen; and Ngumu Janka Warnti Bench by Nargoodah and Jansen.

The pieces on display, that the designers have created together, speak of culture and Country and is testament to the incredible talent of the four individuals.

The project is supported by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and includes American hard maple and American walnut, along with brass for detailing in the cabinet and credenza. The Bench is made from leather and aluminium. The translation of design to reality was accomplished by Chris Nicholson and Mast Furniture and, through the exacting process, shows that Australian manufacturing is world’s best.

From remote South Australia in Australia, to the revered streets of Westminster in London, Singer, Evans, Nargoodah and Jansen bring their particular and extraordinary works to a new audience. The story of each design is embedded in the forms and through the materials they present a rich and tangible connection to the past and the present.

Related: Trent Jansen on practice and collaboration

It is heartening to see Australian design today celebrated so enthusiastically on both the regional and global stages. These objects of desire were conceived and realised over many years and the design process overcame the challenges of time and distance. It is remarkable that the end result has culminated in forms of such beauty that are being recognised as the objects that they are, simply incredible.

For anyone travelling to the UK for London Design Week, take time to visit the Mint Gallery and see these pieces up close and personal – it will change your perspective of just what great design can achieve.

At the 2024 INDE.Awards, The Influencer category was partnered by K5 Furniture and The Object category by American Hardwood Export Council. Singer, Evans and Jansen won both categories with their collection, Kurunpa Kunpu – Strong Spirit.

Trent Jansen
trentjansen.com

Mast Furniture
mastfurniture.com.au

Mint Gallery
mintgallery.co.uk

Photography
Fiona Susanto

Next up: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards winners