Malene Barnett Partners with Lulu and Georgia for An Exclusive Wallcovering Collection
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Malene Barnett is simply unstoppable. As the founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a multidisciplinary artist, and groundbreaking activist, Barnett serves as a voice for the African diaspora through her wisdom and artworks. Now, she is bringing her expertise to home decor brand Lulu and Georgia for an exclusive series of wallcoverings.
Launching on September 27, the Kindred Collection consists of five styles that reimagine Barnett’s handmade ceramic tiles and vessels into striking wallpaper designs. The artist explains the name and vision of the collection stem from the idea of family and community.
"Family is not defined by blood," says Barnett. "Family is an extension on many levels, and it comes in many forms. So, I wanted the collection to be embraced like any other family member and it was about finding a sense of kinship with the work."
For Barnett, transforming the intricate patterns displayed on her clay sculptures into wallcoverings came naturally. Not only does she have a background in rug and pattern-making, the artist often looks at traditional textiles from across Africa to empower her process and designs. "I am constantly dancing between the two different processes, materials, and techniques," explains Barnett. "When you look at my clay work, there is a lot of reminiscence and connection to textiles."
The key to ensuring the wallcoverings had the same textured appearance as her artworks is using a variety of colors in the patterns to create depth and shadow. Barnett intentionally selected colorways that embody the Africa diaspora with meaning. For example, the earthy terracotta shades weaving through the Alaari wallpaper evoke the red fabrics used in traditional spiritual ceremonies by the Yoruba people in West Africa. Meanwhile, the rich indigo shades seen in the Bequia style celebrate the natural dye used in countless pieces of clothing and textiles and even mimic the rippling of the Caribbean Sea.
Barnett also carefully thought through how these color combinations would play off of the existing furnishings in one's home. Every decision was made with functionality in mind with the added mission of getting people to think about the work in deeper ways.
"I want people to be able to get close to the paper and to feel it," says Barnett. "I want people to look at it as a space for reflection and where they can connect with ancestors. There's just always an opportunity to find something new to find in the work, and I think that's a metaphor for life. There's a constant searching for new experiences and connection."
As for where these patterns can be used in the home, Barnett feels the possibilities are endless. The artist notes that she feels the works should be featured in rooms you spend the most time in, like a cozy family room or the kitchen. "If you want to engage in thoughtful conversation, I feel the wallcoverings would really lend themselves to those well-used spaces."
The Kindred Collection is available to purchase exclusively on luluandgeorgia.com with prices starting at $168 for a 56.4 square-foot roll.
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