Miller Genuine Draft brings together five awesome Australian artists to create a space for art, design, and experimentation at the Miller Design Lab.
This March, Miller Genuine Draft is bringing to life the Miller Design Lab – a space showcasing Five Australian designers and creators from the fields of fashion, technology, art, music and design – at Windsor’s SoHigh Gallery. The Miller Design Lab features established as well as up-and-coming local artists, creating an eclectic and immersive experience.
Curated by renowned designer, Jeff Staple, and inspired by the theme, “Gold is the new Black”, The Miller Design Lab will feature creative works by light sculptor, Meagan Streader, street artist, Buff Diss, Pitch Studios Founder & Creative Director, Christie Morgan and textile creators, DREAMCATCHERSDREAMTIME X Think Positive Prints.
It’s Streader’s illuminated contribution that first greets visitors to SoHigh Gallery. Climbing the narrow staircase up to the space, the sounds and lights of Chapel Street disappear, and soon the thump and glow of SoHigh Gallery takes over. Streader’s piece – red and yellow neon electroluminescent wires that trace the gallery space from the floor right up to the high ceilings – engulfs visitors as they emerge into the space with a radiance that is equal parts frenetic and soothing, and sets the tone for the exhibition: vibrant, youthful, a place where cultural trends and creativity meet, and undeniably immersive.
For a totally immersive experience, Christie Morgan’s piece utilities VR to wholly engage the viewer. The piece aims to capture the brief moment that exists at the intersection of our real and online lives. The inclusion of the audience is vital according to Morgan, who believes that, “once everyone is included, the experience is bound to be incredible”.
Given that the Design Lab was created by Miller, you know there’ll be plenty of great drinks to whet your whistle, and visitors can expect the creativity of the space to extend to the liquid offerings as well.
At the launch I sampled the specially crafted Miller Lagerita cocktail and, despite my trepidation, absolutely loved it. The Miller Genuine Draft is light, crisp, and gorgeously blonde, and blends perfectly with the zingy citrus notes of a classic margarita. This is a drink that is super refreshing, both in flavour and concept. Definitely grab yourself one while you check out the installations.
With sets by DJs Yo Mafia! and Sunshine, as well as a performance by the always amazing Mojo Juju, the launch turned it up to 11, with guests sampling Miller Genuine Draft and Asian fusion dishes from local Chapel Street venues. A panel event earlier in the evening featuring the designers Staple himself gave the audience a deeper understanding of the creative processes and inspirations of the creators, and provided a context that really enhanced the experiential nature of the Miller Design Lab space.
Running until Saturday, March 30, tickets for the Miller Design Lab are available at www.millerdesignlab.com.au, and with afterparties held on the Emerson Rooftop, this is the Southside party and art experience that is a must for your calendar this March.