Four Canberra designers take to the national stage at DENFAIR exhibition

Canberra’s reputation centres on a few things – government, roundabouts, bush capital, and unfairly, dullness.

A hub of design is usually not associated with Canberra. However, the nation’s capital is teeming with local designers whose work is gaining traction.

Four such designers are currently representing Canberra at DENFAIR in Melbourne.

DENFAIR is one of Australia’s premier events for contemporary design, with designers, architects and interior stylists from all over the world presenting exhibits, speaker sessions and awards.

Canberra’s representatives were pitched by Craft ACT – a not-for-profit membership based organisations that fosters and supports local talent.

A statement from the organisation said: “Unlike smaller market or gallery opportunities, gaining attention at DENFAIR can result in some big industry contacts.”

Craft ACT CEO and artistic director, Rachael Coghlan, said it was great Canberra designers were featured at the festival.

“I visited DENFAIR in Melbourne for its opening day on Thursday and it was inspiring,” she said

“Seeing work by emerging contemporary designers from the Canberra region on show alongside some of the biggest names in Australian design was very exciting.

“Denfair is an important, quality and high profile platform to promote contemporary design and encourage future collaborations.”

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The event runs from June 14 to 16 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show will be opened to the general public tomorrow.

The four Canberra designers featured include Christina Bricknell, Jun Rung, René Linssen and Richilde Flavell.

The Artists

Christine Bricknell​

Photo: Sean Davey

Bricknell is a furniture designer who has produced a range of different items, she will be showcasing her ottoman collection at the event. Through her work she investigates the potential of a variety of materials, and effortlessly blends these together to achieve a unique look.

Jun Rung

Photo: Devika Bilimoria

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Rung is a lover of minimalism and this is reflected in the clean lines, gentle curves and simple slim forms of his work. Inspired by Scandinavian style, his works have a timeless design.

René Linssen

Photo: Sean Davey

Linssen is an industrial designer who loves the challenge of finding ways to improve people’s lives with products that satisfy a need and is also aesthetically pleasing. He is involved in a diverse range of design work across sports, outdoors, homewares and government.

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Richilde Flavell

Photo: Supplied

Flavell is perhaps most well known for her production line Girl Nomad Ceramics – the homewares collection includes bowls, plates, vases and cups. Flavell’s work is hand-formed and glazed, and offers intimate surface details of whites, greys and toasty auburns. For DENFAIR, Flavell will be taking something new: the Reuleaux Dawn and Dusk tables.