Diving Australia press release:

At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, The Australian Diving Team will debut Kozii swimwear featuring an Indigenous print designed by Gamilaraay artist Pearl Campbell who resides on Minjungbal land.

The collaboration between Diving Australia (DA) and its swimwear provider Kozii, showcases themes of unity and fluidity of water which artwork designer Pearl (pictured with athletes, below) said was representative of the foundations of diving in Australia. 

“The artwork features eight concentric circles representing the six states and two territories of Australia, each unique in size and details with winding lines and dots connecting them,” Pearl said. 

“Symbolising the harmony, integrity and energies flowing between the states and territories. 

“Through the middle of the artwork is a large body of water, like the rivers and waterways that flow through Australia with mountains and landscapes surrounding it. Footprints of animals and people line the water’s edge,” she said.
        
Kozii owner Kay Shallcross said Pearl is proud to represent Australia through her art. 

“She aims to bring more awareness and acknowledgment to Indigenous people and cultures,” Shallcross said.

“She hopes to bring contemporary Aboriginal art and design into today’s society, having it more widely recognised and appreciated both nationally and internationally,” she said.

The Diving Australia Athlete Committee worked with Pearl to develop the ideas behind the design and is exploring additional educational opportunities for its athletes in collaboration with its sporting partners.

“The Athlete Committee is keen to align cultural education and learnings with the launch of the swimwear to ensure a meaningful connection and understanding of the artwork and our First Nations history,” Athlete Committee Chair Rachel Dutschke said.

The 2024 World Aquatics Championships begin in Doha on 2 February.

January 29, 2024