Arabana and Kokatha artist, Mali Isabel collaborates with CASETIFY Australia

Phoebe Blogg Published September 26, 2023 at 2.00pm (AWST)

art

'Can You Feel The Energy Print' on an iPhone case available in the M.I.A X CASETIFY collaboration. (Image: Instagram @maliisabelart @casetify_au)

In addition to featuring on Style Up's August cover, young First Nations artist, Mali Isabel, is in high demand.

Living and practising on Kaurna land in Adelaide, the talented contemporary artist has made a series of headlines this year for her variety of vibrantly hued artistic pieces – as reflected within Style Up's rather lively-hued August print edition.

Specialising in dot paintings which utilise the entire colour wheel, Isabel's works of art not only spark happiness and joy but further spread her message of positivity, equality and the importance of cultural education.

"Each hue and shade captures the essence of how I am feeling at a particular moment in time," Isabel told Style Up.

Whilst her typical rainbow pieces of work usually range from canvas paintings to community murals, 2023 has seen the artistic creative branch out and collaborate with global tech accessories brand CASETIFY – with the collection labelled M.I.A X CASETIFY.

*Artist Mali Isabel pictured with one of the phone cases featured in the M.I.A X CASETIFY collaboration. (Image: Instagram @maliisabelart @casetify_au)*

Coined as the fastest-growing global tech accessories brand, – with the company stating it reaches 1 in 7 millennials – when presented with the opportunity to collaborate with CASETIFY, Isabel certainly did not hesitate.

"I had owned CASETIFY cases for years prior, their designs always feature such unique artists. Their cases are ethically and sustainably made, and they are number one worldwide… so it didn't take much convincing to say yes to the opportunity," Isabel said.

"It's so awesome to see such a huge company giving mob a platform."

*A close-up look at the 'Can You Feel The Energy Print' on select iPad and iPhone cases in the M.I.A X CASETIFY collaboration. (Image: Instagram @maliisabelart @casetify_au)*

Inspired by the Kaurna Land of Adelaide, South Australia, the Mali Isabel X CASETIFY (M.I.A X CASETIFY) collaboration strives to capture the environment and translate it into a series of magical technicoloured tech accessories.

"CASETIFY found me on Instagram and dm'ed me! From there we worked together on the project for nearly a year before the collaboration was launched," she said.

With accessories names ranging from the 'Fairytale Dream Wallet' to the 'Rainbow Paradise iPhone Case', Isabel has ensured her artistic essence is truly injected into this collaborative crossover.

"I created three new artworks and picked two of my favourites from my exhibition Rainbow Dreamz. I had a lot of creative freedom to choose the designs I wanted which was super fun," Isabel told Style Up.

With Isabel's digitally printed artwork available on selected CASETIFTY covers, cases and accessories, the successful tech retailer has ensured that no matter what device you have…there is a little slice of Mali Isabel Art you can pair with it.

"This is my most global collab, so far! it's been a cool and surreal experience to see my designs on phones, iPad and laptop cases, drink bottles and charges featured all over Australia and the world," she said.

*Artist Mali Isabel showing off the 'Can You Feel The Energy Print' on an iPhone case available in the M.I.A X CASETIFY collaboration. (Image: Instagram @maliisabelart @casetify_au)*

With CASETIFY having already collaborated with the likes of Pharrell, Sarah Jessica Parker, Saint Laurent, Thom Browne and more, Isabel is at the forefront of both local and international exposure.

Isabel's collaboration with CASETIFY was part of the brand's National Reconciliation Week celebration.

This week-long celebration saw CASETIFY join forces with not just Isabel, but an additional two First Nations Artists, those being, Bayley Misfud (Merindah-gunya) and the sisters of Krubi Creative.

"There were three Aboriginal artist collaborations that launched at the time including Merindah-gunya and Krubi Creative and myself. Between the three of us, we've shown how diverse Aboriginal art can be," she said.

As the global tech accessories company continues to be recognised as one of the more popular youth-centred platforms for creativity and self-expression, this collaboration will continue to create further exposure and support for Isabel's broader goal of changing how Aboriginal people are viewed and treated in Australian society.

Despite starting her artistic journey scrapbooking with her Nanna, Isabel has gone on to become an admired, highly-established First Nations artist.

Since being commended in the 2021 Our Mob Trevor Nickolls Art Prize and becoming the first Aboriginal poster artist for the Adelaide Fringe in its 62-year history, Isabel's achievements, and artworks have been celebrated Australia-wide.

With both her career and popularity on the rise, some may say, Isabel is destined for several years of success.

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