The inaugural MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission has opened, unveiling a large-scale installation by world-leading Mexican architect, Tatiana Bilbao.
Titled La ropa sucia se lava en casa (Dirty clothes are washed at home), 2022, the installation draws on the notion of clothing as a symbol of protection for the body and the associated labour of caring for garments as an act of self-care.
"I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen for the Women in Design Commission by the NGV and MECCA," said Bilbao.
"The Commission is contributing, in many ways, to advance the discourse of the importance of opening channels for people who have been left out of opportunities."
Portrait of Tatiana Bilbao, architect and founder of Tatiana Bilbao Estudio Photo: Ana Hop
The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission is a major five-year series that, each year, invites an international female designer or architect to create new and significant work for the NGV Collection.
The first and only initiative of its kind in Australia, the Commission will create an annual platform for the presentation of topical, world-premiere works that amplify the contribution of female designers and architects in shaping our world.
"The ongoing Women in Design Commission will highlight the ground-breaking work of women in this field from Australia and around the world, as well as strengthening the NGV Collection for future generations," said NGV director, Tony Ellwood AM.
"We are grateful to MECCA for their visionary support of this Australian-first initiative and commend their continued mission to elevate and empower women in the creative industries."
The MECCA x NGV Women in Design commission series is enabled by a significant contribution from MECCA Brands through its social change program, M-POWER, which champions equality and opportunity for women and girls.
This is MECCA’s single largest commitment to an Australian cultural institution and exponentially expands the NGV’s longstanding partnership with the brand.
Portrait of Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV and Jo Horgan, founder and co-CEO, MECCA Brands Photo: Josh Robenstone
"At the beating heart of MECCA is our mission to champion equality and opportunity for women and girls," said MECCA Brands founder and co-CEO, Jo Horgan.
"Over the past six years, our longstanding partnership with NGV has elevated and empowered a group of incredible female artists and at the same time created broader awareness of the underrepresentation of women in the arts, a historic imbalance we are passionately committed to addressing."
"Tatiana Bilbao is a global innovator whose work sets a benchmark for sustainability, ethics and community. Collaborating with her for the inaugural commission is truly so special."
The 2022 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission: Tatiana Bilbao will be on display from the 6th of October 2022 – 29th of January 2023 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne and has free entry.