Yarrenyty Arltere

Koskela collaborated with the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, resulting in a limited edition release of sixteen exclusive cushions. 

Situated in Alice Springs, the town camp of Yarrenyty Arltere has been supporting Arrente and Luritja artists since 2000. Initially run as a training program to address chronic social issues, the initiative developed into an art centre enterprise in 2009 and has been instrumental in building a community of talented, culturally proud artists which has helped to rebuild lives. The art centre has been at the heart of this healing and is now a renowned not-for-profit Aboriginal owned and managed organisation with works now held in major collections both Australia wide and internationally.

The art makes us think of our culture in another way and what we want people to know. It’s good for everyone to have a place like this. It helps us be part of both worlds.

— Dulcie Sharpe, artist & respected elder of the community

The cushions have culminated from the ‘Blue and White project’, a new extension of the artists’ practice which saw a departure from their renowned soft sculpture work. Artists experimented with cyanotype printing - an old photographic technique. This technique developed a new colour - beautiful blues, created by the exposure of the sun.

The images depicted in each cushion tell stories about the artists lives, culture and country. Each cushion is finished with a beautiful soft tan leather backing & signature Koskela leather tag. No two cushions are identical, every cushion is a unique one-off.

Talks of a collaborative project together were in the works for a few years, and it’s exciting for this vision to be finally realised. We are thrilled to be releasing these beautiful cushions & promoting the amazing artists of Yarrenyty Arltere, how special to know that these cushions are supporting Indigenous artists while also looking beautiful in your home.

— Sasha Titchkosky, Director, Koskela