Home

The Decisive Moment with Jonny Niesche

The Australian contemporary artist behind Gucci's 90x90 project on his career-defining epiphany. 

Posted on
Jonny Niesche is an Australian abstract artist whose work encompasses paintings characterized by smooth color gradients and minimalist forms. His artistic expression focuses on creating visually captivating pieces that blend seamless color transitions with refined, simplified shapes. Photo by Dirk Tacke.

In the occasion where fine art meets high fashion, few brand collaborations strike the perfect balance between heritage and innovation. But not every brand is Gucci.  To celebrate its iconic silk scarves, the Italian heritage brand launched "90x90," a special campaign featuring nine international artists tasked with reimagining five archival themes: flora, fauna, nautical, equestrian, and the GG Monogram. 

Among these visionaries is Jonny Niesche, an Australian contemporary artist whose vibrant works have captivated the art world at large with his hypnotic blend of romanticism, abstraction, and minimalism. Known for his explorations of light and space perceptions, Niesche brings a distinct angle to the collaboration. "I have loved Gucci since my teens," Niesche says. "The brand has always had an elegance and classic style that really resonates with me." 90x90 marks Niesche’s first partnership with a fashion label. He deliberately waited for the ideal opportunity, and Gucci was the perfect fit.

Silk Scarf with Flora print designed by Jonny Niesche. Photo by Laziz Hamani.

In tracing his artistic journey, Niesche pinpoints the pivotal moment that transformed his career trajectory. While completing his master's studies at Sydney College of Arts in 2013, he won the prestigious Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Travelling Artist Scholarship—a distinction that carries significant weight in Australia's competitive art scene. 

"Having the school and judges believe in me and the potential of my practice was very powerful," Niesche says. "I felt like I could really let go of any imposter syndrome insecurities I had been carrying around." Since that breakthrough, his creations have adorned the walls of Fundación La Nave Salinas in Ibiza, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Galerie Ron Mandos in Amsterdam, and more, establishing him as a strong presence in the contemporary art community.

The "90x90" collaboration challenged Niesche in new ways. Namely, translating his distinctive style characterized by color gradients and vignettes onto a silk canvas required thoughtful adaptation. "It was interesting to find a way to represent both of our voices and styles equally, harmoniously and creatively," Niesche says. "We passed our ideas back and forth many times until we found the right balance," revealing the collaborative nature of the design process.

For emerging artists finding their way, Niesche has nuggets of experiential wisdom to share. Throughout his journey with 90x90, he realized that authentic creative expression can lead to unexpected opportunities and remarkable projects. As Niesche's designs fill the walls of Gucci boutiques worldwide, they prove his philosophy: art that remains true to oneself will eventually find its perfect canvas.

“Being an artist is a long game,” Niesche says. “You have to be true to yourself and what you make, and immerse yourself in your community.”

More from Culture Lounge

World of Assouline

Open Book: Joey Wölffer

The New York native and entrepreneur who co-owns Wölffer Estate Vineyard in the Hamptons shares the book that changed her worldview and her all-time favorites.

Culture

The 6 Auctions to Bid on in April

From Marc Chagall’s dreamlike compositions to rare jewels in Paris, these are the six auction events around the world you won’t want to miss this month.

Lifestyle

Bringing Color to the Kitchen with Le Creuset

Explore global recipes inspired by the vibrant hues of the premium French cookware brand.