In late 2024, Salon HER—an award-winning, boutique hair salon in Sydney known for its transformative artistry and intimate space invited Jade Akamarre to be their artist-in-residence through an inspirational partnership that blended creativity, culture, and community.
A returning client of Salon HER, Jade's connection with owner Michael Kelly naturally extended into a creative commission. Presented at the salon’s “Love, HER” event, hosted alongside Marie Claire editor Georgie McCourt, Jade unveiled a new work titled "Dreaming." The piece, now displayed in Salon HER’s salon throughout summer, reflected Salon HER’s values warmth, inclusivity, and artistic expression—woven through Jade’s signature flowing linear dot patterns that reveal an aerial view of her homeland and ancestral Dreaming.
Inside the salon’s Love, HER loyalty gift boxes, a digital print of the artwork further extended the connection between art and experience, accompanying curated self-care items and aligning with Salon HER’s new partnership with Children’s Ground, a charity dedicated to supporting First Nations children and families. A portion of profits from the initiative will go toward the organisation.
For Jade, the collaboration was both personal and powerful: “Every time I came in here, we always talked about an art piece and working together. This re-branding made sense … once I saw the colour palette, it was very easy for me to bring the story to life.”
Michael Kelly echoed the sentiment, highlighting the soulful depth Jade’s work brought to the salon: “Jade’s artwork and her story bring such depth to Salon HER … it holds something very special. Our clients need to see that.”
This vibrant collaboration extended beyond aesthetics—it celebrated the beauty of connection, cultural expression, creativity, and giving back. For Pwerle Gallery, it was a reminder that art can flourish in unexpected and welcoming contexts, sparking meaningful conversations with new audiences in places we frequent every day.
Left ro right: Georgie McCourt, EDITOR of Marie Claire Australia, Michael Kelly, Director of Salon HER and Jade Akamarre.
