Anoushka Irukandji x Wingback

~ 3 min read

Henna, the practice of using natural pigments to ornament the skin with patterns is as old as human civilisation itself. The art form is a precious cultural heirloom, and any practitioner must be both custodian as well as a creator. One person who does exactly that, but with a daringly modern flare, is Brisbane-based artist Anoushka Irukandji.

Developed a decade ago, her love of Henna emanates from her work and conveys a deep respect for the intricate lines that have been etched onto hands and feet over the centuries, from the Indian subcontinent all the way to the horn of Africa.

While those ancient traditions are clearly visible as inspiration in Anushka’s work, hers is a unique cosmology that also draws influences from nature, filigree, mandalas and sacred geometry. Although she still enjoys using her own skin as her canvas, much of her art is now  committed to paper, and we were thrilled to give it another kind of permanence in our range of handmade leather goods.

Anushka’s symbols and patterns often look as if they’ve been plucked straight from a science fiction or fantasy story. They hint at a world full of secrets and mysterious meaning, creating transcendent beauty out of abstract and organic forms - and her collaboration with Wingback is the perfect example of that.

We couldn’t be more pleased with the sleek and sophisticated design, and we have no doubt you’ll enjoy this timeless piece as much as we do.