Summary

Rectangle of off-white paper, painted with a repeated abstract motif suggesting plant pots and a gardening fork, in tones of red and purple. Painted by John Rodriquez, probably as artwork for a textile design.

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.

Physical Description

Rectangle of heavy off-white artist's paper, painted with a repeated abstract motif suggesting plant pots and a gardening fork. Tones of red and purple, with highlights of yellow and blue. Reverse has a partly-painted sketch of a flower. Edges of paper are pinked (cut in a zig-zag pattern); some points are folded back. Remnants of torn paper on reverse suggest that the artwork was originally mounted on grey backing paper.

Significance

See Narrative 'John Rodriquez Textile Collection'.

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