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design discovery

Breathe by Helen Kontouris, Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas (of UTE) and Carbonwood by Gary Galego - finalists in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award

Breathe by Helen Kontouris, Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas (of UTE) and Carbonwood by Gary Galego - finalists in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009

Currently on display in the Gin Garden at Establishment are the works of 10 finalists in the 2009 Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award. The opening night was a buzz of design devotees, gin cocktails and inspiring design - much of which hung from the ceiling so that it could be admired above the crowd. With items such as the "Breathe" couch and the "Carbonwood" bicycle seeming to defy gravity, you could really appreciate the shapes and forms whilst removed from a 'functional' context. We were given a box of postcards, featuring each of the designs...

Peppered Sunlight by Rohan Nicol and other promotional cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009

Peppered Sunlight by Rohan Nicol and other catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009

The winner was announced on 18.11.2009 and our congratulations to Rohan Nicol, whose "Peppered Sunlight" (pictured above) took out the honours. The work is a large pendant light with a choice of three patterned light diffusers. The light emitted is similar to sunlight as filtered through trees.

Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas of UTE and Twist by Adam Cornish - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award

Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas (of UTE) and Twist by Adam Cornish - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009

We were thrilled to discover Kain Lucas had been selected as one of the finalists with his work "Victoria Side Table". Kain was inspired to design the piece whilst overlooking Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour at night. Reminiscent of the movement of water, the Victoria Side Table is made from a single sheet of mild steel that is laser cut then stretched into its bell shape. Kain is the designer behind the rather brilliant products we featured earlier this year in our post titled "design that works". (Fans of UTE are in for a surprise next week on indie art & design - stay tuned!!)

Daily Grind by David Knott, Carbonwood by Gary Galego and Weddell by Marcel Sigel - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award

Daily Grind by David Knott, Carbonwood by Gary Galego and Weddell by Marcel Sigel - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009

Some of my favourites are pictured above. "The Daily Grind" by David Knott has such a sensual shape & feel. The curved shape of the base has an organic feel - perhaps representing the essence of the coffee beans it contains.

"Carbonwood" by Gary Galego is made from a composite of carbon fibre and wood. It is both environmentally responsible and highly innovative; the fibre cloth strengthens the wood to make a high-performance material. It looks sleek & chic too!

"Weddell" by Marcel Sigel takes inspiration from a liquid. The design mimics wave like structures, and the vertical and lateral ribs sweep and surge up from the floor. The name is derived from a certain type of seal found in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.

I also really love the unbroken lines of "Breathe" by Helen Kontouris (pictured at the top). The base and "legs" are an integral part of the design, and they flow seamlessly into the arms and seating supports. It is constructed entirely of recyclable polyethylene and aluminium, providing an all-weather solution that is environmentally friendly and able to withstand the harsh Australian sun.

The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award exhibition for 2009 is showing at the Gin Garden at Establishment, 252 George St, Sydney, until November 30th. It will then travel to Melbourne and Brisbane venues in early 2010.

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Saturday, November 28, 2009.

feature interview: polli

Decoration Kit by Polli

Decoration Kit (AUD $19.95) by Polli - 30 decorations with 6m of ribbon to make a garland, hanging decorations or gift tags. Each kit contains the Tree, Dove and Olive branch designs and are, printed in Australia on 100% recycled card.

Issue 4 of our favourite Peppermint Magazine has launched, and in it you will find our indie art & design interview with Polli! Read the full length interview below... PLUS GIVEAWAY: Simply leave a comment to enter the draw to WIN a pair of the incredibly beautiful POLLI WOVEN DRAGONFLY EARRINGS pictured below! (The winner will be drawn on Saturday 12th December 2009 so the earrings will make a lovely Christmas present for somebody lucky...)

Tess Lloyd & Maja Rose are the designers behind well-known Sydney label Polli. By fusing product and fashion design, and pairing industrial processes with handmade techniques, they have created a unique style which is both delicate and contemporary. Polli's jewellery and homewares are instantly recognisable, with intricate details and patterns cut from larger geometric shapes. We discover a little more about the world of Polli...

Woven Dragonfly earrings and pendant by Polli

Woven Dragonfly earrings (AUD $99.95) and pendant (AUD $74.95) by Polli

I 1. Where do you find inspiration for your designs? What led you to the gorgeous new hand-stitched woven pieces?

P We find inspiration from our experiences, our local environment and travel to interesting places. For example, the woven range emerged from our desire to add colour and texture to our classic stainless steel pieces. The inspiration is from a family tapestry that has been in designer Maja Rose's family for 3 generations. We like to take inspiration from the things around us and work with them in interesting and new ways; translating experiences into jewellery.

Hoot Stainles Steel Brooch by Polli

Hoot Stainles Steel Brooch (AUD $69.95) by Polli

I 2. Did it take a lot of experimentation with materials & manufacturing processes before you settled on the Polli signature style paper-thin stainless steel & aluminium?

P From the beginning we have been interested in using materials and processes more commonly reserved for industrial uses. Aluminum and Stainless Steel seem to fit into this category. We originally started making accessories from a type of plastic – Polypropylene – which is where our name Polli is derived. Our designs were always a fusion of industrial techniques and bespoke finishing.

Printed Polypropylene Scales mobile hanging above the Polli herb garden

Printed Polypropylene Scales mobile (AUD $89.95) hanging above the Polli herb garden

I 3. Polli products are instantly recognisable - did you have a clear vision of your style & brand from the beginning?

P Our design style and business have evolved organically. We would never have thought when we started selling plastic baskets at local markets that our jewellery would later be exported worldwide. That being said we've always had vision for an accessible range of products – both in their design aesthetic and price point. We strive to make classic designs that out live fashion; pieces that the owner can treasure and wear for years. Sustainability speaking good design should never be disposed of and this is important for our ethos.

Woven Jasmin earrings and pendant by Polli

Woven Jasmin earrings (AUD $99.95) and pendant (AUD $74.95) - pink multi by Polli

I 4. How did Polli emerge from the ideas of two design students? In the beginning, how did you juggle design, manufacturing, admin, sales & marketing?

P We're very lucky to have a strong partnership with complementary skills. Our different backgrounds gave us exposure to a variety of roles and allowed us to build skills in areas like supplier liaison, graphic design, administration procedures, book keeping and product finishing. In running a small business you need to wear many 'hats' which can be challenging but also keep our daily roles interesting, allowing for a lot of variety.

Stainless Steel Tandem pendant by Polli

Stainless Steel Tandem pendant (AUD $74.95) by Polli - photography by meligrosa from Bikes and the City, San Francisco - notice Duffy the dog perched at the back!

I 5. You've built Polli into the type of business many independent designers dream of... What decisions/approaches helped contribute to your success?

P That's very flattering! We were lucky to be able to reinvest in our business because we had full time employment – this helped us build capital without having to find external funding like bank loans. A strong partnership – commitment to each other and our business is important so we can support and encourage each other. Doing something you love is the best motivator – we like our products, our team and believe in our philosophy.

Jack mobile in Autumn by Polli

Jack mobile in Autumn by Polli (AUD $49.95 ) Each leaf features two curved cuts that allow it to hold a photo, card or postcard.

I 6. Are you sometimes tempted to make something completely different? If/when you have spare time, do you have side-projects on the go?

P We always dabble in new homewares – this is an interest of ours that we'd love to pursue further but our jewellery is still our core business and what we're known best for. Polli was originally a side project from our 'day jobs' but nowadays we don't get much time for any other projects!

Tea Light Shade Kimonos by Polli

Tea Light Shade Kimonos (AUD $49.95 each) by Polli

I 7. The tea light shades are so beautiful. Was the shadow play an integral part of the design from the start, or a lovely surprise?

P The tea lights are beautiful! They're like jewellery for your table! Our stainless steel hanging mobiles have always made beautiful shadows so the tea light shades were a natural progression – having a product with its own light source.

Gold Globe pendant and Gold Sweep pendant by Polli

Gold Globe pendant (left, AUD $59.95) and Gold Sweep pendant (right, AUD $59.95) by Polli

I 8. You both share a passion for sustainable design, and in July, Polli was awarded 100% Low CO2 from the Carbon Reduction Institute. How did you achieve this, and what's next on the carbon neutral to-do list?

P The assessment by the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) was quite rigorous! They're a very thorough organisation – we even had to 'weigh' our trash! Our general philosophy is not to create excess waste where possible – for example by collecting production off cuts and reusing them to avoid them ending up as landfill. The CRI helped us to offset any additional emissions that we couldn't eliminate – for example electricity, car and plane travel.

The next step is to become No CO2 and to have products whose lifecycle has been fully assessed and offset. This process is far more in depth but its something we're working towards. We've started by only using 100% recycled packaging made locally and making products which utilise 'reclaimed' materials.

Stainless Steel Succulents earrings and pendant by Polli

Stainless Steel Succulents earrings (AUD $59.95) and pendant (AUD $49.95) by Polli

I 9. As Polli has grown, you've had the chance to travel extensively. Which destinations have stood out, and who has surprised & inspired you?

P We love NY – we've been lucky enough to travel there twice a year and it's always a buzz! Europe has been very inspiring – there is a ceramic studio in the Marais in Paris which we'll never forget and a lot of our designs are inspired by personal travel in India. But most of all we love Australia, our studio in Stanmore, our walks around the inner west – it's a beautiful country.

Stainless Steel Terrace pendant by Polli

Stainless Steel Terrace pendant (AUD $49.95) by Polli

I 10. Now that Polli has an international following, will you continue to manufacture the range exclusively in Australia?

P It's important to us to manufacture in Australia as it helps local industry and reduces the products carbon footprint by eliminating extensive freight and allowing us to control what happens to any production off cuts. For these reasons we hope to always manufacture locally but export globally.

Elm Stainless Steel cufflinks by Polli

Elm Stainless Steel cufflinks (AUD $89.95) by Polli

I 11. Do you collaborate on each design or do you work independently around a common theme? With so many exquisite designs, do you each have personal favourites?

P We work together sketching and discussing general themes. Once we've got some rough ideas we sort of swap designs to get a different perspective. Because of this every design has a bit of both of us in it which is great! Our favorites change all the time – but Baskets is one of our very first designs and is still a strong favorite. The new woven are beautiful, it's so refreshing for us to have endless colour combinations to play with.

Polli display at cameron Marks Boutique - Santa Cruz

Polli display at cameron Marks Boutique - Santa Cruz

I 12. Where is Polli headed next?

P That's a big question – hopefully some collaborations with other designers, to be No CO2 and export to new markets – we'd love to see Polli sold in Japan!

White Wreath and Fractal Eco Clock by Polli

White Wreath (AUD $69.96) and Fractal Eco Clock (AUD $89.95) by Polli

Thank you so much to Tess and Maja - for both the interview and the GIVEAWAY! The Woven Dragonfly designs are my favourites at the moment... wishing I could enter myself! Make sure to enter the draw by commenting on this post before 12.12.2009 - perhaps you can tell us which Polli piece is your favourite?

You can browse all the beautiful shiny Polli things at www.polli.com.au and follow the Polli blog to keep up with their news & travels.

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Sunday, November 22, 2009.

christmas gift guide 2009

shop indie - the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2009

We are so excited to bring you this gorgeous collection of festive gift ideas for Christmas 2009! This year's Gift Guide is bursting with indie goodness - designs that we absolutely love. Every product featured here can be purchased online with ease, and there's something here for everyone...
Happy shopping this holiday season!

Vintage Button Hair Elastics from Sheeps Clothing

AU $13.75 Vintage Button Hair Elastics (each pair is a one off or part of a very limited edition) from Sheeps Clothing

Vintage Button Hair Clips from Sheeps Clothing

AU $13.75 Vintage Button Hair Clips (each pair is a one off or part of a very limited edition) from Sheeps Clothing

Little Rabbits Birthday mounted illustration print by Nikki Catalano

AU $50 Little Rabbits Birthday mounted illustration print by Nikki Catalano from Collection of Cool

Under The Tree mounted illustration print by Nikki Catalano

AU $50 Under The Tree (detail) mounted illustration print by Nikki Catalano from Collection of Cool

Arch earrings by in-sync design from Oye Modern

AU $70
Arch earrings by in-sync design from Oye Modern

Silver hoop zip-it necklace by Cynics from Oye Modern

AU $90
Silver hoop zip-it necklace by Cynics from Oye Modern

Sweetie Petite Doll Kit from Duckcloth

AU $25 Sweetie Petite Doll Kit from Duckcloth

Kristen Doran Hand Printed Craft Panel from Duckcloth

AU $28 Kristen Doran Hand Printed Craft Panel from Duckcloth

Summer trilby with embroidered silk Bird on Branch from Elk Accessories

AU $45 Light weight Summer Trilby with embroidered silk Bird on Branch from Elk Accessoies

Green Tree Pendant from Elk Accessories

AU $30 Green Tree Pendant on cotton chord, adjustable with sliding bead from Elk Accessories

Mini Pocket Pad Set of 4 in Blues from Geritom71

US $5 Mini Pocket Pad Set of 4 in Blues from Geritom71

Turquoise Bouquet Earrings from Cocoa Pod

AU $30 Turquoise Bouquet Earrings from Cocoa Pod

Embroidered Brooches from edward & lilly

AU $12
Embroidered Brooches from edward & lilly

Lavender Scented Christmas Decorations from edward & lilly

AU $15
Lavender Scented Christmas Decorations from edward & lilly

Yoki eco-friendly tee by Heidi & Seek

AU $55 Yoki eco-friendly tee from Heidi & Seek.

Snoop reconstructed tee by Heidi & Seek

AU $42 Snoop reconstructed tee from Heidi & Seek.

Shinzo Felt and Leather Necklace from Mainichi

US $69 Shinzo Felt and Leather Necklace from Mainichi

Kawa Recycled Leather Necklace from Mainichi

US $54 Kawa Recycled Leather Necklace from Mainichi

Doily/Oak Brooch available in natural or walnut from shonah

AU $32
Doily/Oak Brooch available in natural or walnut from shonah

Leaf Resin, Fabric and Wood earrings in pale mint from shonah

AU $39
Leaf Resin, Fabric and Wood earrings in pale mint from shonah

Set of 6 Family Portrait greeting cards from Non-Fiction

AU $24 Set of 6 Family Portrait greeting cards from Non-Fiction

Lisa Max Owl and Cat cushions from Ruck Rover

AU $29ea Lisa Max Owl and Cat cushions from Ruck Rover

Girl in Blue print by Belafonte

US $18
Girl in Blue print from Belafonte

Girl in a Window print by Belafonte

US $18 Girl in a Window print
from Belafonte

Girl in Blue print by Belafonte

AU $145 Sterling Silver "B Ring"
An elegant piece that elongates the hand from Bilingual

Girl in a Window print by Belafonte

AU $165ea "Cirque Collection" Sterling silver pieces worn as rings or pendants from Bilingual

Loved vertical porcelain pendant from Little White Dish

AU $78
Loved vertical porcelain pendant from Little White Dish

Dark Horse horizontal porcelain pendant from Little White Dish

AU $96
Dark Horse horizontal porcelain pendant from Little White Dish

Sarah McNeil 'Girls Who Wear Glasses...' print from Moose: Art for Living

AU $25 Sarah McNeil 'Girls Who Wear Glasses...' print from Moose: Art for Living

Bowling Arm Cricket bracelets from Moose: Art for Living

AU $60 (per set) Bowling Arm Cricket bracelets from Moose: Art for Living

Kinetic Ruby Rings - one setting or two settings - from Simone Walsh

AU $92 Kinetic Ruby Rings: one setting ($92) or two settings ($128) from Simone Walsh

Mock Orange Blossom Brooch hand cut from sterling silver from Simone Walsh

AU $68 Mock Orange Blossom Brooch hand cut from sterling silver from Simone Walsh

Bob Boutique's famous retro

AU $35-$80 Bob Boutique's famous retro "Pass the Parcels", pretty layers ending with a surprise

Alice and White Rabbit Calico Bag from Bob Boutique

AU $15 Alice and White Rabbit Calico Bag made in Bendigo from Bob Boutique

Thank you to all the gorgeous labels and boutiques who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2009.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

three of a kind: iggy & lou lou

Masked Bandits by Iggy & Lou Lou

Masked Bandits by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $190ea)

We're excited to bring you the second instalment of our "Three of a Kind" interview series - this time with Irene Grishin-Selzer the artist & designer behind the gorgeous Iggy & Lou Lou jewellery label.

To be honest, I'm a little in awe of Irene and her Iggy & Lou Lou creations. Her style is so unique, and each time I browse through her web site (which is truly an artwork in itself), I find myself adding up what it would cost me to buy... everything! (Well, a good selection anyway!) Her latest collection, "Love Bandits" explores the concept, "Stolen time stands still, and love lasts forever...", with pieces that possess a mysterious quality whilst at the same time connecting with the viewer (or wearer) on a very personal level.

Iggy & Lou Lou was launched in 2003 and since then has released seven successful jewellery & artwork collections. Irene draws on the rich history of porcelain and each piece is lovingly hand crafted and kiln fired up to four times to attain the patina of buried treasure. Collections are rich with historical references, decorative themes and narratives, and influences - from ocean depths to forest folk, sixteenth century Memento Mori and the black and white character of Film Noir - imbue each piece with the presence of a much-loved heirloom.

Just Like Honey by Iggy & Lou Lou

'Just Like Honey' by Irene Grishin-Selzer (AUD $2600 - SOLD)

I What makes you 'three of a kind'? The motivations behind your works, your techniques & approach or the themes that run through the artworks, or a little of each?

ILL There is an element of humour, mystery and fun that runs through all of our interests, approaches and themes. I think its evident in all the different mediums we tackle.

Dinosaur with rainbow medallion by Iggy & Lou Lou

Dinosaur with rainbow medallion by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $185)

I What led you down this career path?

ILL I always liked making things and selling them from when I was little. I studied up to Masters in ceramics and applied arts (with jewellery as a minor subject) I wanted to find a job that gave me a sense of creative freedom but I couldn't find anything that I liked. A business grew out the demand for the jewellery I was making and with the help of those who work with me, I'm able to devote time to making artworks as well. It doesn't really feel like a 'career' choice as it just grew out of a need to retain my creative freedom.

Horse Bandit Sculpture - Black Tear by Iggy & Lou Lou

Horse Bandit Sculpture - Black Tear by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $820, jewellery and skull not included)

I What do you love most about being an artist/designer?

ILL I love being able to take ideas and feelings and make them into concrete objects... Making things by hand is really rewarding for me. Sometimes it takes longer than expected but there is a real sense of satisfaction from seeing it through from start to finish. I also enjoy the practical aspects of sending things all around the world via the website - its nice to feel a connection with people from far away places. I also love being able to travel overseas and meet and work with other artists who make beautiful things like Madeleine and Beci.

Sculpture by Iggy & Lou Lou

'Cant Tell The Birds From The Blossoms' by Irene Grishin-Selzer (AUD $1800)

I Does living in Melbourne influence your artwork?

ILL I'm not sure. Maybe it does unconciously... but I don't know in what particular way. I don't live in the city as I love the sea, but I always think I'd make the same kind of work whevever I lived - but who knows?

I What is the focus of your work for the Three Of A Kind exhibition?

ILL I often work in 3D but am showing some limited edition photographs and prints for the first time. I've also made some new wall sculptures which are in between 2-3D. I generally work with themes of love and mystery. I like working with dueling themes that often work out as opposites of the same coin, eg.the dualities of love/beauty vs loss. Dreams and reality often collide and an element of humour or playfulness is always there to keep things in check!

Double Bluebird Necklace by Iggy & Lou Lou

Double Bluebird Necklace by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $110)

I What do you love most about the work of the other two girls?

ILL I love lots of different things about both Madeleine and Beci's work. Probably mostly the playful but considered dreaminess…that gets me every time!

Thanks so much, Irene for finding time amongst the exhibition preparations to tell us about the journey and inspirations behind Iggy and Lou Lou. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming show! Do make sure to visit www.iggyandloulou.com to see many more beautiful porcelain creations from Iggy & Lou Lou's six collections.

Three of a Kind exhibition banner

There's not long to go until the doors at Lab X Gallery open to reveal new works by this trio of artists: Iggy & Lou Lou, Madeleine Stamer and Beci Orpin. Opening night is Friday 20th November 2009, from 6-8pm. In the meantime, you can follow the show preparations at http://threeofakind09.blogspot.com.

The exhibition continues until November 29.
Lab X
40 Pakington St, St Kilda, 3182.
ph. 03 9534 8838
Gallery hours are 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

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Monday, November 16, 2009.

two new shows

Invitation to Tall Stories and Papercuts - an exhibition of artwork by Catherine Campbell

Two exciting new shows have just opened - Catherine Campbell's solo show Tall Stories and Papercuts at Extended Play Gallery in Northcote, Melbourne, and Hip Pop, a group show presented by United Galleries at Saatchi & Saatchi in The Rocks, Sydney... Exhibiting artists at Hip Pop include David Disher, Stephen Dupont, Jane Fontane, Lee Grant, William Hold, Ben Ali Ong, Patricia Mado, Ben Rak and Kareena Zerefos.

Dressing for a Crescent Moon 4 - Print of an original ink, watercolour and collage drawing by Catherine Campbell

Dressing for a Crescent Moon 4 - Print of an original ink, watercolour and collage drawing by Catherine Campbell (US $15)

For the Tall Stories and Papercuts exhibition, Catherine (whose studio is known as My Folk Lover) created a series of four long scroll type pieces based on some of her favourite female characters. She was drawn to the 'split nature' of each of these women, and found these intense opposing forces "quite inspiring for the basis of a few drawings"! The exhibition invitation (top) shows a detail of one of these works, and the entire piece is amazing! (You can see it on Catherine's Flickr site.)

These are on display, along with a selection of smaller works, at Extended Play Gallery which opened its doors in Northcote just last month. The gallery is in front of the studio space where Catherine now works alongside fellow artist Andy Lewis. If you're in Melbourne, make sure to get along! I adore Catherine's work - a mixture of delicate illustration, femininity and thoughtful, balanced composition... You can also visit her web site at www.catherinecampbell.net, follow her blog at www.myfolklover.typepad.com or shop for My Folk Lover prints at www.myfolklover.etsy.com.

Tall Stories and Papercuts
11 - 28 November 2009
Extended Play Gallery
547 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
Gallery open: Wed - Sat, 11am - 5pm.

Fox and Feathers - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos for Hip Pop exhibition

Fox and Feathers - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos

We have featured Kareena Zerefos' work a number of times on indie art & design (May 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 & Feb 08!), and we had to share these new works with you! They were created with pencil & oils on wood, and they're incredible.

Kareena describes this series as "exploring childhood fears of an isolated, dystopian 'Australia'. The imagery is based on my memories growing up in the rural outskirts of sydney, surrounded by bush dwelling animals... foxes that would stare hauntingly through the trees (and would get into our chicken pen), possums sometimes comforting but at other times terrifying and reptiles that creep around like alien creatures of another time."

The girl and the possum - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos for Hip Pop exhibition

The girl and the possum - original artwork by Kareena Zerefos

I'm looking forward to seeing these soon... There are a few more images on Kareena's blog at www.kareenazerefos.com. So beautiful!

12 - 27 November 2009
United Galleries presents Hip Pop
at Saatchi & Saatchi
70 George St, The Rocks, Sydney
Gallery open: Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm.

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Saturday, November 14, 2009.