First Nations artist Jade Akamarre has partnered with popular Australian hair salon, Salon HER, for a new artwork commission.

A returning client at Salon HER, Akamarre said the choice to collaborate with friend and Salon Her owner, Michael Kelly, was a natural progression of both friendship shared interest, pairing the duo's passion in creating spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and warm.

To celebrate the launch of the creatives' new artistic venture, Syndey-based public relations agency TMCPR, led an intimate panel discussion with Akamarre and Kelly at Salon HER's Love, Her event on October 29.

Held in Salon HER's intimate, boutique space, the event featured a conversation hosted by Marie Claire editor and friend of Salon HER, Georgie McCourt.

McCourt led an inspiring discussion with Akamarre sharing her personal journey, artistic inspirations, the deeper meaning behind her work and how she fused her culture and craft with Kelly's creative vision.

Kelly joined the conversation, detailing his connection with Akamarre and their shared values of artistry and community impact.

The evening was marked by the unveiling of Akamarre's latest artwork, which will be on display at Salon HER throughout the summer, a testament to Salon HER's dedication to supporting creativity and cultural diversity.

Titled Dreaming, the new artwork will be hung in Salon HER's Sydney salon, with a digital version of the artwork printed inside Salon HER's new Love, Her consumer loyalty boxes.

"Everytime time I came in here (Salon HER) we always talked about an art piece and working together," Akamarre said.

"This re-branding made sense, it was the right alignment and once I had seen the colour palette, it was very easy for me to bring the story to life...

"So I merged my world with Micheael's world and brought this piece together."

Akamarre's artwork is a profound expression of her connection to her culture and homeland, capturing the essence of her land's beauty and the spiritual ties to her ancestors.

Her distinctive style—fluidly executed dots forming linear patterns—reveals an aerial view of her Country, offering a glimpse into its timeless landscape and the intricate natural patterns that hold deep cultural significance.

In April 2021, Akamarre embarked on a journey to explore her new style and dreaming, titled Dreaming in My Grandmother's Country.

This work is a deeply personal tribute, as her grandmother, the late Barbara Weir, entrusted Jade with the cherished Dreamtime story, passing down a family legacy and the sacred responsibility of painting her ancestral land.

Dreaming in My Grandmother's Country is an homage to her great-grandmother, the late Minnie Pwerle, and her land, Atnwengerrp, which is located 270 kilometres north east of Alice Springs.

"I know my ancestors guide me through every decision that I make. A little bit of my soul goes into every piece, every time," she said.

This piece not only reflects Akamarre's enduring respect for her heritage but also serves as a "talking map" - a visual journey across ancient track-lines, sacred sites, and sources of bush tucker - places that have sustained her ancestors for countless generations.

Through each dot, Akamarre honours the generations before her, carring forward a cultural lineage that has profoundly shaped her identity today.

This event also launched Salon HER's new charity support with Children's Ground, an organisation devoted to empowering First Nations children, youth, and families across Australia.

Through the Love, HER initiative a portion of profits from Salon HER and their clientele will be donated to Children's Ground.

Kelly said Akamarre's artwork and her story bring "such depth" to Salon HER.

"The Love, HER event was about more than art; it was about creating a space where beauty, heritage, and impact converge, and our clients are invited to join in that purpose and to appreciate something new to them," Kelly said.

"Before we even decided to create something together, I really loved Jade's entrepreneurship, she is a very strong business woman and has a very clear point of view.

"She also is an incredible creative and the art speaks for itself. The world deserves and needs as many strong women as possible.

"Jade really pioneers for her community, and there could never be enough of that type of support.

"It is really special for me to have one of Jade's works in the salon beacause it brings a whole lot of soul that this space already has, but you can feel it, the piece holds something very special. Our clients need to see that, they need to experience that."

Adding to the event's spirit of giving, Salon HER unveiled its Love, HER gift box, a loyalty gift available for friends of HER designed to capture the essence of Salon HER's commitment to community and wellbeing.

Each box includes curated products celebrating creativity and self-care, an artwork, and is accompanied by a card that shares Akamarre's story and Salon HER's charity of choice.

Salon HER invites clients and the wider community to join this season of giving by visiting the salon, engaging with Akamarre's artwork, and celebrating the spirit of art, empowerment, and giving back.