MACA Objects at the NGV

A trio of objects exploring the limits of MACA, Avant Mater’s macadamia shell biomaterial. Presented in Plant Life: The Nature of Design at the National Gallery of Victoria, the collection explores new material possibilities through form. Developed using macadamia shells sourced from the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, MACA combines milled shell with a bio-based resin developed by the studio.

The material is cast into a bowl, tray and centrepiece, each exploring its density, tonal variation and sculptural qualities. Together, the objects investigate how a locally sourced organic by-product can be transformed into distinctive forms for the interior.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator at NGV, for making room for us at the last minute and welcoming us into the opening talks. And to our dear friend Jesse John Bird, for his unwavering support and for walking alongside us on this ongoing biomaterial journey.