Rydges Melbourne proudly concluded Spectra, an immersive exhibition redefining the intersection of art and design, as part of Melbourne Design Week 2025. This groundbreaking showcase, featuring acclaimed artists Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran, transformed the hotel lobby into a vibrant and dynamic living art space, offering a fresh perspective on how fine art can enhance and radically alter interior environments.

A Vision Brought to Life

“Melbourne Design Week is a fabulous opportunity to open our doors to both our guests and the wider public,” said Lee Davey, General Manager of Rydges Melbourne. “Spectra is a vibrant celebration of creativity that transformed our lobby into a living, breathing work of art. Collaborating with artists like Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran allowed us to elevate the guest experience in a truly unexpected way. At Rydges Melbourne, we’re committed to supporting the arts and creating spaces that inspire, and this installation is a perfect reflection of that vision.” Spectra is not only an art exhibition but a manifestation of how artists can collaborate with interior spaces to create more than just functional designs. The exhibit featured a series of bespoke artist-designed carpets in partnership with GH Commercial, as well as custom-designed wallpaper, large-scale paintings, a dynamic window installation, and limited-edition prints -all of which showcase Martinich and Carran’s signature bold colours and expressive, abstract forms.

A Bold Artistic Leap

Known for their expansive public artworks, murals, and large-scale spatial activations, Martinich and Carran have previously transformed urban landscapes both locally and internationally. From murals in public spaces to installations for major brands like Dulux and Nike, their work pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration with interior environments. Spectra represented an exciting new chapter for the duo, expanding their artistic practices beyond the canvas into the realm of interior design.

“Collaborating with Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran on this project was an absolute joy,” said Abby Peach, Brand Manager at GH Commercial. “Translating Rowena’s dynamic, expressive art onto carpet was truly inspiring. Each vibrant colour, fluid stroke and speckle of paint came to life underfoot, and seeing artwork of this scale and energy on the floor was nothing short of spectacular.”

The bespoke carpets featured in Spectra were made possible through GH Commercial’s Designer Jet® technology, a world-class custom carpet technology that can create an infinite array of colours and bespoke designs. “Designer Jet® technology allowed us to translate these large-scale, dynamic paintings into intricate, textural floor pieces,” explained Peach. “This technology uses precision engineering to inject dye into the carpet, offering a flexible, creative, and performance-driven solution for projects of any size. It’s been incredible to see how a simple idea can be translated into such vibrant, functional art.”

Supporting Local and Sustainable Design

Based in Geelong, GH Commercial’s local manufacturing capabilities, sustainable practices, and flexible production methods have made this collaboration possible. The partnership has allowed for the creation of limited runs and one-off pieces, expanding the creative potential of the artists' works. Local printers Tiger Corp also played a key role, producing the exhibition’s bespoke wallpaper and glass-based vinyl installations, further supporting sustainable, regional production models.

“Working with local partners has been integral to this project,” said Martinich. “It has enabled a seamless exchange between artist and maker, while supporting a regional and sustainable production model. This exhibition extends our practice into the interiors space, bringing our artistic vision to new and exciting possibilities.”

A Celebration of Artistic Vision and Environmental Connection

For Martinich and Carran, the Spectra exhibition was deeply rooted in their connection to the Surf Coast landscape. Based on Wadawurrung Country, the colours of the bushland, coastal light, and earthy tones of the area are a constant source of inspiration in their work. This exhibition celebrated that connection, showcasing how art can transform spaces and connect people to their environments.

“We were excited to showcase our work in this immersive format,” said Carran. “It was a chance to show how art can inhabit space in new and unexpected ways, making it an integral part of the built environment.”

Spectra was not just a visual experience – it was a sensory journey that invited viewers to explore the intersection of fine art and interior design. The installation offered a bold artist-led vision that goes beyond traditional design, using colour, movement, and emotion to transform functional spaces into living art pieces.

Exhibition Overview

From May 15 to 25, Spectra captivated visitors with its bold, expressive visuals and tactile design elements. The exhibition featured:

  • Artist-designed carpets in collaboration with GH Commercial, featuring bespoke designs made possible by Designer Jet® technology
  • Original large-scale paintings by Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran
  • A dynamic gateway window installation
  • Limited-edition prints on canvas
  • A custom 12-meter-long wallpapered wall

As Spectra concluded, it left a lasting impression on how art and design can intersect to create immersive, transformative spaces. Rydges Melbourne's commitment to supporting the arts and fostering creative collaborations continues to inspire and elevate the guest experience. 

Learn more about our Designer Jet® technology.

Photographer: @jim_photo & Armelle Habib

Authored date: 25/05/2025

Gallery