A Creative Director's Darwin Home

Photography by Alana Holmberg

With a natural affinity for the creative arts, Nina Fitzgerald carved a unique (and impressive) career before returning to the Northern Territory to open Laundry Gallery, a multi-disciplinary creative hub that exists to preserve and evolve one of the oldest living cultures on earth. Located on Larrakia Land, the gallery has taken shape in 70’s era laundromat, acting as the backdrop for exhibitions, workshops & events and a metaphor for the new life Nina has given to First Nations stories. Her time away from the gallery is spent in her childhood home, shared with her partner & housemate, and the surrounding tropics. We spoke with Nina about the significance of her work, including spending time on Country with artists and projects with the next generation of elders – plus, what it’s like to live in Darwin’s endless summer.

Nina lies on a 100% linen Duvet Cover in Khaki, paired with Grey & White Stripe pillowslips.

On Nina’s childhood home…

“I grew up in this house and lived here from birth to 18 years old. I inherited it when my dad sadly passed away, and after studying interstate and traveling I returned here in 2021 to make it my home again. I live here with my boyfriend Shaun and our housemate Holley. 

“This house has been a constant in my life. It ties to my childhood growing up here in the endless summer of the Tropical North, and also to my dad. For me it is really special to return here as an adult, with these memories of the past to build new memories for the future.

This house has been a constant in my life. It ties to my childhood growing up here in the endless summer of the Tropical North, and also to my dad.

“The house itself is old - she needs some TLC (renos incoming! And paint to remove that awful blue colour) - but it is a classic Darwin elevated beauty with louvres and a large deck, that honors the cool dry season breeze and the rumbling thunderstorms of the wet. And it’s on an old big Darwin block - so 1100 sqm of garden, another testament to my dad, further captures all the elements of this place. I love this about the house most - living amongst the trees and the outside in.”

Nina completes her crossword puzzle wearing IN BED 100% Linen Short Sleeve Shirt in White & Short in Kohl, from our sleepwear collection.

On her bedroom…

“My bedroom is very simple - the most, and really only, minimalist space in my world (and mind!). But it has been a calming space since as long as I can remember, so it feels important to keep it like this.

“It’s just my bed, a lamp and a couple of piles of books I am reading all at once. And a painting by one of my favourite artists, Wally Wilfred. And there is always nice light in there because two of the walls are completely louvred. And it is so beautiful in a thunderstorm with all that openness surrounding my bed.”

My bedroom is very simple - the most, and really only, minimalist space in my world (and mind!).

On her personal art collection…

“I am running out walls for my art! It’s a collection of mostly contemporary Indigenous art but also some great pieces from local Darwin artists. Lots are pink, which seems odd now I think of it, but so fun - the most amazing vibrant pink collograph by Ms. N Marawili, and the Wally Wilfred Bones artwork I mentioned earlier. 

“I also love an old car bonnet painted by Penny Rose Wiggins. It depicts a scene from Cyclone Marcus, which upended half the city in 2018 on a weekend I was spontaneously at home (living in Melbourne at the time). It’s an iconic wild Darwin cyclone scene and I bought it after years of lusting over it and harassing Penny. I also have two of my dad’s West Arnhem bark paintings from the late 70’s, which have always been in the house, very special also.”

On Nina’s unexpected career path…

“My path to get here has been indirect. I studied a science degree, majoring in geography and weather science. Problem-solving and curiosity and a passion to protect and work with our precious natural world!

“But I have always had an affinity for all things creative. A constantly dreaming, ever curious and imaginative mind, when I was young I was always making things, like jewellery or polymer clay beads, or pressing tropical flowers to make paper. And I’ve loved cooking for as long as I can remember—a form of creativity, I’d say. 

“Pursuing creativity as an adult has been heavily grounded in a love for problem-solving and constant curiosity. There is still so far to go in Australia to right the wrongs of a history rooted in gross injustices towards its First Peoples, but I believe in the power of new creative perspectives to drive education and understanding and ultimately bring positive and influential change across so many aspects of so many lives, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. 

There is still so far to go in Australia to right the wrongs of a history rooted in gross injustices towards its First Peoples, but I believe in the power of new creative perspectives to drive education and understanding...

“Laundry Gallery was born as a voice telling First Nations stories as they were, and as they unfold. It is a creative hub that deals in storytelling - the rich stories of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. We help foster these stories in artists by spending time on Country with artists, and with projects that support skills development, such as capacity building workshops introducing artists to new mediums, and encourage innovation, with collaborative artistic experiments that explore how different mediums and stories work together. We then work with the artists to extend these stories beyond the physical artwork and the physical bounds of our space through creative marketing, exhibitions, artist-led workshops, events and curated products that continue to prioritise their authentic voices.  

“Our creativity is born from the endless creativity and storytelling of First Nations artists, and our evolving space and brand is in response to the continuing innovation of those communities we are so fortunate to work with.” 

On Nina’s curatorial approach…

“A washing machine breathes new life into garments and their stories, refreshing them. Our space does this too, but with stories and cultural creative expression. It changes constantly, the wall colour and the layout, and how we display the works - changing the way First Nations stories are shared and perceived.

“Also the act of doing laundry democratises society by uniting all in the most mundane of chores, that transcends socio-economic barriers. We are using art and storytelling as the universal language that can unite the masses regardless of socio-economic status, to foster curiosity and greater understanding for the oldest living cultures on earth - their vibrance, fun, colour and incredible resilience.” 

On exhibitions or projects Nina is most proud of…

“We work on such a diverse offering that I am proud of all the things. But in staying true to one of our missions to work with emerging artists, I am really proud of our work in giving a platform to new voices. The excitement and pride of working with and showcasing the work of a new artist, or someone who has not exhibited before, is priceless. The ways this inspires the artist, and how this ricochets to their family members who come and see their show, is so special. 

“We have also built a platform to showcase really unique artwork - this is largely due to our non-traditional marketing and space. I am proud to champion these modern iterations of culture - stories that speak to the contemporary resilience of First Nations Australia. This month we are showing the first solo show of Luke Djalgarrarra. He has painted buffalo skulls and barks in traditional rarrk style but with fluoro paint, so they glow under UV light! So excited!

“We run a program called Our Life Our Lens that uses photography as a tool to champion the stories of the next generation of elders. Through a series of workshops in communities, this project allows young people to develop skills, collaborate, and share their own perspectives - unbiased and unfiltered. 

“We’ve run film photography workshops in East Arnhemland and taught the kids how to develop film, and also did a semester-long program with students in Darwin to build a photographic alphabet representing their world.”

A washing machine breathes new life into garments and their stories, refreshing them. Our space does this too, but with stories and cultural creative expression.

Nina's daybed is draped with our 100% Linen Sheet in Dove Grey.

On her favourite local spots…

“Larrakia Country is the endless summer! Half the year is dry, cool breezes and clear sunny days, and the other half wet, monsoonal thunderstorms and humidity. 

Darwin is a treasure of Australia—ridiculous in its randomness, exceptional in its beauty.

“Darwin is a treasure of Australia—ridiculous in its randomness, exceptional in its beauty. It is a diverse cultural melting pot with people from all walks of life, representing many cultures and lived experiences—weathered cowboys or young professionals, creatives, travellers, a pet crocodile in one backyard and a huge pig in another. And surrounded by an immense landscape of impressive contrast. You unlearn everything up here - to relearn, learn and keep learning. I am forever inspired by my surrounds. And I love my home!

“I live near the beach, the Parap Market and Laundry Gallery and not far from the city. No complaints!”

On what 2024 will bring…

“I am starting a screenprinting hub to support the incredible work of remote community textile makers! We will be operating from early next month! Follow @printshopnt to learn more.”

@neeenaar 
@laundrygallery  
@printshopnt