Zeenya Clothing is proud to present its new Artist Collection, celebrating the beautiful works of three talented artists; Otis Frizzell, Diya Dasgupta and Steve Maddock.
A collection three years in the making, Zeenya’s new Artist Collection sees three bold bright prints come to life, like live art wrapped around the bodies of their wearers.
In 2019, Zeenya founder Chloe Wickman had a vision for a beautiful collaboration that saw the brand supporting local and indigenous artists.
Early on Wickman connected with local artist Otis Frizzell and Australian based artist Diya Dasgupta in the hopes of bringing the Artist Collection to life one day.
The last few years have seen a lot of change in the world, and as a brand that’s always been motivated by complete inclusiveness, Zeenya wanted to put their money where their mouths are, to do more to support indigenous artists of New Zealand.
In May this year, they put the call out for talented Māori artists to submit either a completed design or their portfolio of work to be considered for the project.
The designs were judged by Tauranga Whakairo Artist, Todd Couper alongside contemporary Māori Artist Arohanoa Mathews (Arohanoa Artistry) and Chloe herself.
“We were absolutely blown away by the talent and support of those that submitted to be part of this project”, says Wickman. “We’re very grateful to everyone who got involved!”
Introducing the Zeenya Artist Collection:
OPTO vs ZEENYA
Local artist Otis Frizzell is best known for his graffiti street style pop-art, a mash-up of tattoos, graffiti art, comic books and custom cars.
Playful, bold and compelling, Otis creates art that sparks a reaction.
Otis has created a Zeenya print sprayed with colour and life, with street art and graffiti vibes.
CARNIVAL
Second to collaborate is Sydney based designer Diya Dasgupta who lives and breathes colour.
Nurtured by her father to connect with art, Diya draws her inspiration from travel, nature, spirituality and total love of colour.
Her natural pull toward shapes, patterns and colours align exceptionally well with Zeenya, and her nature-inspired piece brings a little bit of spring through summertime deliciousness to the print she’s produced for the Artist Collection.
WHAKAPAPA
Rounding off the Artist Collection collaboration is Wellington Tattoo Artist, Steve Maddock – Ngāti Porou who took first place in Zeenya’s local artist submissions.
Drawn to tattoo artistry in his youth, and setting up shop in Wellington in 1994, Steve recognises the cultural significance of his chosen art form.
More recently moving into a digital space, he has created a bespoke design piece for Zeenya titled Whakapapa. It acknowledges the connection of Māori artists in an online world.
Zeenya aficionados are encouraged to jump online early to secure their selections with a smaller run of the New Zealand made limited edition prints.
Available from 8th December the new designs will see fans wrapped in the vivacious artwork designs available in full-length leggings (RRP $149.90) and a unique new scoop crop (RRP $64.90).
And each piece sold from the Artist Collection also comes with a signed, numbered farmable piece of artwork from the collaborating artist.
