At Mesh Direct, we are proud to collaborate with companies that are committed to their passions. This month, we’re thrilled to showcase Peter Andrew’s project with Artspace, a leading Australian contemporary art institution, and their current Banner Series featuring Indigenous Australian artist Timothy Cook’s exhibition, Kulama. This collaboration showcases not only art but also how high-quality, safe materials can bring art to life.
Client Details
- Client: Artspace
- Location: The Gunnery, 43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
- Website: https://www.artspace.org.au/
- About: Artspace is a contemporary art institution that supports artists and encourages critical dialogue. They are a platform for innovation in contemporary art, showcasing a number of perspectives through exhibitions, residencies, and public programs.
Background
The Artspace Banner Series transforms the exterior of The Gunnery into a dynamic canvas. The current series, from January 23 to April 30, 2025, showcases Kulama, an exhibition by Timothy Cook, an artist from the Tiwi Islands. Timothy Cook’s works are embedded with cultural knowledge and a contemporary viewpoint.
“I like painting for culture way – kulama – that means painting culture. We teach culture. Kulama also mean yam – they eat that one, they get it from the ground and eat it. Kulama is ceremony where they yoi (dance). “ – Timothy Cook
His artworks feature the Kulama story, a traditional ceremony that’s a recurring subject. Cook uses circular motifs painted with natural ochres to convey this story. The Kulama ceremony is performed in the late wet season when a ring appears around the moon. This coincides with the harvest of wild yams and is the traditional initiation of young men, where elders dance for three days. Cook’s work connects old and new, sky and land, ancestors and ceremony, tradition and innovation.
The Challenge
Artspace needed a way to display Timothy Cook’s artwork that was visually appealing, safe, and met specific requirements:
- Accurately showcase the artwork with high-quality printing
- Comply with fire safety regulations for public installations.
- Allow for easy banner changes every three months.
- Use material durable enough to withstand weather conditions.
Our Solution
Mesh Direct and Peter Andrew provided Artspace with custom-printed banners using our premium fire retardant banner mesh, making sure it meets the needs of the Banner Series with visual appeal, safety, and ease of use.
The Product: Premium Fire Retardant Banner Mesh
The Artspace banners are printed on Carrflex Premium Fire Retardant Banner Mesh – a specialist product that meets the highest Australian fire safety standard AS/NZ 1530.
- Fire Retardancy: Certified to meet Australian fire safety standards (AS/NZ 1530).
- Printing Quality: High resolution print to showcase the artwork
- Design: Pole pockets are at the top and bottom, and a 50mm aluminum batten runs through the center for stability.
- Installation: Designed for a hoisting system to allow easy banner changes.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Mesh Direct, Peter Andrew, and Artspace resulted in a public art display that celebrates Timothy Cook’s work and enhances the cultural scene of Sydney. Artspace has ensured the safety and impact of the Banner Series using our premium fire retardant banner mesh.
We’re proud to have partnered with Artspace and to have helped showcase Indigenous Australian art in a public space.
Looking for safe and visually stunning signage? Contact Mesh Direct today to learn about our premium fire retardant banner mesh!
