IXIII. Photo by Matsu.
IXIII
Gallery 01
Until 30 January
Two South Sudanese Australians explore identity through creative expression of body, mind and soul in this emerging artist collective.
IXIII (pronounced: eye-ex-three) is an art project and brand founded in 2019 by Isaac Garang and Luel de Kuék. They use it to examine identity through what they see as its three primary forms of expression: body, mind and soul.
Combining photography, clothing and performance, IXIII showcases arts practice around Mirrabooka in Perth’s Northern suburbs. Inspired by their cultural backgrounds, and family and personal experiences, the project produces new networks of aesthetic and social value and contributes to the creative flourishing of the global African diaspora they are a part of.
A central element of their output thus far has been the manufacture of long-sleeve, boldly graphic sweatshirts inspired by vintage sportswear that frame the wearer’s body in dynamic ways.
With the Mirrabooka postcode and script featuring on some versions, they conjure a team spirit that is intended to unite and uplift a culturally overlooked community. Underscoring this is the tactical employment of the brand’s philosophy “we only see what we know” along with the logo composed of a schematic outline of a human eye and the ellipsis of three dots, speaking to the evolution of clarity in their identity and vision.
“IXIII is a tool for self-discovery. I want people to see themselves in the work we put out.” — Isaac Garang
