February 22, 2023
This month at the AGWA Design Store we invite you to explore the bright and magical world of Melbourne artist Kate Rohde. Inspired by historical decorative arts, Kate Rohde loves Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau in particular. Her exclusive pieces at AGWA include bold statement vases and sculptures and maximalist, handmade jewellery. Rohde has become known for artmaking that contains dioramas of taxidermy animals and landscapes contained within elaborate display cases that reference both current natural museums and the 16th century Wunderkammers, otherwise known as cabinets of curiosities. Along with the use of craft materials and synthetic products, Rohde has a strong interest in resin, casting many of the pieces with her artworks out of this material, mixing in bright, hyper-real colours. Rohde explains, “I use resin for the pieces in the AGWA store. I started working with resin about 15 years ago as I was initially drawn to its transparent quality, but over time I’ve come to appreciate its versatility and it’s a very forgiving material by and large. “I like that it can be intensely dyed and pigmented,” she said. Fascinated with intense colours, Rohde’s various skills and interests have seen her work in several creative arenas, including collaborating with Australian fashion house, Romance was Born on its Renaissance Dinosaur collection in 2010. “I love bright and intense colours, especially fluorescent pinks and aqua. As a kid I was always obsessed with aqua and turquoise-coloured pencils and sets of fluoro highlighter pens. I liked to keep all the pencils in the correct rainbow order they were originally packed in,” she said. “I think the new AGWA Design Store is very exciting and contemporary, presenting a great mix of local and international designers and makers.” - Kate Rohde |
Kate Rodhe Crystal Bangles | $99Inspired by geological quartz crystal forms, this eye-catching jewellery is both lightweight and robust and handmade in resin. |
Kate Rohde Crystal Hoop Earrings | $99-$135 (small-large)These crystal-inspired large hoop earrings are handmade with resin and sterling silver hooks. |
Kate Rohde Hoof and Antler Vase | $1870The Hoof and Antler Vase is a statement piece. This bright and bold designer must-have is perfect for epic floral arrangements. The vase measures: 75cm H x 35cm W x 30cm D. |
Kate Rohde Leafy Bowl | $410A standout feature in any home, Kate Rohde’s Leafy Bowl is a vessel ideal for holding floral or fruit displays or simply a stunning sculptural object. |
Kate Rohde Paw Bowl | $199-$245 (small-medium)Made in food safe resin, these striking bowls are perfect to hold trinkets and treasures. Made in Kate Rohde’s Melbourne studio, these hand-poured vessels are unique and eclectic, and colours may vary slightly to the image. |
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