Third Drawer Down x Tony Albert

Renowned contemporary artist, Tony Albert (Girramay, Yidindji and Kuku Yalanji), is known for examining misrepresentations of First Nations culture and rewriting historical mistruths. His practice reinterprets found imagery and objects in a range of mediums, including public art, installation, mixed media and photography.

Albert has exhibited nationally and internationally, and his work is represented in major collections. He has been awarded a number of prestigious public commissions both in Australia and beyond. Albert's contribution as an ambassador for First Nations art and culture has been, and continues to be, significant.

Teaming up with the folks at Third Drawer Down, Albert has produced a range of products that cleverly showcase his designs. Working with domestic and functional wares - the tea towel, drink coaster, tote bag and floor rug - he infuses meaning into everyday objects. Referencing vintage Australiana aesthetic, including a cheeky nod to icon Margaret Preston, Albert subverts the domestic narrative with humour and depth.

In an interview with Third Drawer Down, the artist mused "I am a huge fan of artist merchandise and love incorporating artists' objects functionally in my life. I like that objects of use can be infused with artistic imagery or ideas to create an entirely new relationship."

This ethos aligns with Third Drawer Down's modus operandi, as they aim to make contemporary art accessible to everyday people through the merchandise that they create. Operating since 2003, the Australian company has worked with a number of influential artists to create their iconic products. Their mission is to "inspire customers to challenge gender, racial, and social barriers."

The gallery store will feature Tony Albert's range over the winter months, which encompass NAIDOC Week from 6 to 10 July. You can also shop the Third Drawer Down collaborations with First Nations artists Kaylene Whiskey and Kait James.

Caloundra Regional Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm. We are located in Felicity Park, just off Bulcock Street in Caloundra. Drop by to browse the gallery store and pop-up artisan space.