The Perpetual Pigments project tests the results of a world first research project conducted by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) and made possible by and Sustainability Victoria.

Framed within the circular economy conversation, IFM has developed a process to extracted pigments from discarded textiles and fabrics made from natural fibres.

Exhibited during 2023 Geelong Design Week, this participatory, ‘art meets science’, exploration displays the results of testing which explored the effectiveness of recycled pigments for visual art practice.

Inspired by the theme, ‘Sustainable colour continuous culture’, artist have produced art works which have been painted with the recycled pigments produced by IFM.

T Shirts and other fashion garments on display at the Perpetual Pigments have also been printed with recycled IFM pigments.

Deakin’s Perpetual Pigments project is proud of the association with Rip Curl who has worked closely with IFM and the exhibition team to produce T shirts featuring designs by Gamillaroi woman, Elly Chatfield and printed with IFM recycled pigments.