Each year since 2007, Marni has been creating partnerships and crafts for and with children all over the world. They’ve included “Imaginary World” in 2009, which offered accessories decorated with children’s drawings, and proceeds were distributed to humanitarian causes and children’s charities; “We Love Japan” in 2011—a fashion partnership to aid Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami; “Nature in My Country” in 2013 that printed vivid artwork on shirts and bags to help hospitals and children’s schools in Colombia and Cambodia; and “Marni Charity Baskets” in 2015 produced a limited-edition collection of bags handwoven by Colombian artisan and farmers to support the Vimala Association, an Italian organization that helps those suffering from physical, mental, economic, social, or family disadvantages.
This year, Marni is working with Colombian artisans, following the brand’s creative indications, to support the Vimala Association again with a child-focused initiative. Premiering during this year’s Art Basel in Miami Beach week, Marni will debut “Happy Birds,” a project encompassing hand-painted wooden and metal birds in vibrant colors and distinctive shapes that will be on view and available at Marni boutiques throughout this holiday season.
Courtesy of Marni
The collection, made up of five funky creations, pay homage to some of the greatest female artists of the last century. One avian darling frame adorned with a fanciful sunburst crown references self-taught Italian artist Carol Rama, known for her sensual and at times erotic characters. Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter and self-portraitist documenting her female experience, is represented by a cormorant bird with a large beak. Georgia O’Keeffe, the American painter of seductive flowers and New Mexico landscapes, is embodied in a moorhen with a sharp up-facing beak, wide leg stance, and wide eye. Alice Neel, known for her paintings and portraits of both strangers and loved ones, is rendered as a little bird facing the sky with one large frill. And finally, Louise Bourgeois, the French-American artist responsible for monumental spider and suggestive corporal sculptures, is seen as the queen of the flock. Her oval-shaped bird stands tall and proud with a pointed beak and a three- point crown.
In Miami this December, supporters can stop by the Marni boutique to purchase their very own Happy Bird. Alongside the Miami boutique, varying styles are available at the Milan Montenapoleone, Paris, London Mount Street, Madrid, Shanghai, Japan Isetan, Hong Kong Landmark, New York SoHo, and Los Angeles locations. All proceeds from the sale of the crafts will be donated to the Vimala Association to support children in the refugee camps of India.
Courtesy of Marni
To find out more about Miami Art Week 2016, pick up the new issue of Whitewaller Miami.
