Contours of Country - Architectural Acoustic Panels Designed by First Nations Artists

Decor Systems and Blaklash have partnered to create Contours of Country, a new range of architectural acoustic panels showcasing First Nations artists and design. Indigenous-owned and Supply Nation registered, Decor Systems meaningfully engages with and recognises the importance of First Nations design in our built environment.

Decor Systems worked closely with four talented Indigenous artists to develop the Contours of Country range. The panels seamlessly combine sculpture and sound and synchronise effortlessly with the demands of architectural design and function. With over 50 years of manufacturing beautiful architectural acoustic panels, Decor Systems works alongside Aboriginal design agency Blaklash to bring the functional artistic pieces to life.

The featured artworks speak to the various landscapes across Australia, writing a visual narrative that explores themes of Indigenous knowledge, innovation and efficiency, while offering an opportunity for Traditional Owners of the land to tell their stories. The inspiration behind the project came from a desire to engage with the Indigenous community in a meaningful way and include First Nations design in the architectural industry.

The collection of acoustic products aims to evoke a sense of memory and place, each work acting as a subtle reminder of the interconnectedness and respect for Country and belonging. “We wanted to create some initiatives that engage with Indigenous communities, which comes from the need for architects to be including First Nations designs in their buildings,” says Rebecca Fox, Head of Brand at Decor Systems. The collection not only aims to provide representation, but also aims to encourage more First Nations input in the architecture and design space. Artist Jenna Lee says, “I really hope that clients see the designs and then commission bespoke designs of their own from first Nations Artists locally as well.”

The featured artworks speak to the various landscapes across Australia, writing a visual narrative that explores themes of Indigenous knowledge, innovation and efficiency, while offering an opportunity for Traditional Owners of the land to tell their stories.

The acoustic products are made locally in Sydney and are available in a Plywood or MDF substrate. Best suited for large commercial projects, they are Group one and two fire rated, achieve high acoustic performance results, and 15 per cent of every sale will be returned to the artist. “It’s more than just a corporate commission, it’s about getting to collaborate with community and friends,” says Jenna Lee, an artist featured in the new collection.

Artists Toby Bishop, Keisha Leon, Rachael Sarra and Jenna Lee have each developed works as part of the range. Toby’s artwork, Running Water, speaks to the ways of the Kungarakan people, who are freshwater people, and the lines in his work represent the veins of Country and the spirit of his ancestors. Jenna explores the collection and commodification of Eucalyptus. Images and textures of Eucalyptus bark and seeds are transferred from artwork to panel through a digital process that translates each design into a perforated replication. Each images aims to embed a First Nations perspective and understanding of the materials. Keisha uses conceptual narratives to reflect her own navigation of her identity and life. Her prints reflect her experiences with disconnection to connection and analyses the fluctuations of our relationships to each other and our surroundings. Rachael’s artwork relates to the ocean and her connection to her totem, the turtle (milbi). This is represented in her depiction of saltwater currents flowing through the past, present and future.

With over 50 years of manufacturing beautiful architectural acoustic panels, Decor Systems works alongside Aboriginal design agency Blaklash to bring the functional artistic pieces to life.

“We wanted to create some initiatives that engage with Indigenous communities, which comes from the need for architects to be including First Nations designs in their buildings,” says Rebecca Fox, Head of Brand at Decor Systems.

The Contours of Country range is a captivating and functional collection of architectural acoustic panels, as well as a powerful voice for Indigenous communities. “If these beautiful designs can cause someone to stop and inspire a moment to consider where we are and where we’ve been, I think that would be really powerful,” says Rebecca Fox. In a striking way, the range simultaneously tells the story of Country, offers an integral representation of Indigenous cultures, and empowers greater inclusion of First Nations artists and design in the architecture and design space.