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Greeting Card - Human Figures & Shields, Green & Brown, circa 1949-1955
Reg. No: HT 24697
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- Summary:
- Off-white greeting card printed in green and brown with pattern of three human figures, arms raised, and shield shapes decorated with circles, lines and dots. The image references traditional Indigenous artwork from Australia. The headdress resembles that of a Indigenous ceremonial headdress of Mornington Island, Queensland, made from bark, human hair and feathers.
Probably by John Rodriquez around the late 1940s to early 1950s, when he began printing cards and handkerchiefs on his kitchen table.Museum Victoria has acquired a representative sample of the card series: 0052, 0053, 0055, 0057, 0065, 0066, A0068, A0070, A0071, A0073, A0076, A0078, A0085, 0088, plus four unnumbered cards. Only card A0076 ? HT 24673 ? is dated on the card: ?printed 1954?.
John Rodriquez studied art and design at RMIT in the late 1940s and became well known for his screen-printed textile designs in the early 1950s. From 1950 to 1980 he was one of a handful of Australian textile designers who developed a new contemporary style with innovative use of colour. His designs in the early 1950s were mostly of Aboriginal or geometric style. Later he turned to more abstract designs in the Scandinavian style. Later still he made bold use of colour. Rodriquez introduced unique Australian styles which have been imitated often since. He always stressed the importance of innovation. Many homes in Australia and overseas still have his art works in the linen cupboard.
John Rodriquez retired in 1988, handing the Rodriquez company to his son Rimian, who has computerised the screen printing and mostly employs other designers for the products, but still uses a few of his father's most popular designs. Rodriquez passed away in 2000. - Description:
- Off-white printed card, hinged at side. Printed in green and brown with pattern of three human figures, arms raised. To their left and above are shield shapes decorated with circles, lines and dots. A green background is highlighted with red dots.
- Acquisition Information:
- Donation from Ms Patricia Rodriquez, 2010
| Discipline: | History |
| Dimensions: | 140 mm (Height), 120 mm (Width) |
More information
| Tagged with: | screen printing, handcrafts, artworks, aboriginal art |
| Themes this item is part of: | John Rodriquez Textile Collection, Clothing & Textiles Collection, Domestic & Community Life Collection |
| Primary Classification: | MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRY |
| Secondary Classification: | Printmaking |
| Tertiary Classification: | paper products |
| Artist: | John Rodriquez, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1949-1955 |
| Place & Date Made: | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1949-1955 |
Themes
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