Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay

Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay will showcase two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).

The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.

For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display will feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and will be shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.

Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay is a Know My Name project, the National Gallery initiative celebrating the work of all women artists to enhance understanding of their contribution to Australia’s cultural life.

Curator: Simeran Maxwell, Associate Curator, Australian Art