Sydney artist Karina Jambrak has won the 2024 Ink Art Competition, with her winning design featured on a limited-edition release of Ink Art Gin across Australian retailers.
The competition, now in its third year, attracted more than 400 entries, with Jambrak ultimately emerging as the public vote winner.
As part of her prize, she received a $5000 cash award, and her artwork will feature on 2000 exclusive bottles of Ink Art Gin, available in select bottle shops and Duty Free stores nationwide.
In a closely contested race, Jo Kaiser’s Alluvial Plains earned her the runner-up spot.
The Ink Art Competition reflects Ink Gin’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries – an ethos that has defined the brand since its inception.
Harriet Messenger, Head of Brands at Husk Distillers, which produces Ink Gin, emphasised the importance of creativity and breaking the rules in their brand philosophy.
“Ink Gin was a total rule breaker, and a world first. We believed that people would embrace the creativity of our spirit – and (thankfully!) they did. Original thinking is at the heart of what we do, and it’s for this reason that every year we support Aussie artists through our annual Ink Art Competition.”
Since joining the family business in 2015, Messenger has played a key role in shaping the identity of Ink Gin. Speaking to us recently as part of our Wednesday Women series, Messenger reflected on the core values shared by both Ink Gin and Husk Rum.
“Ink Gin and Husk Rum are very different brands, but the founding values of authenticity, quality and innovation are the same. We bring both brands to life in different ways. Husk Rum has a deep sense of provenance. Strongly connected to the land where it is made from fresh juice and cane honey instead of molasses, a true farm to bottle approach. Ink Gin, on the other hand, is polished, playful, and creative. While rooted in the Northern Rivers, Ink is truly a global spirit, coming alive in homes and bars around the world.”
A natural fusion of art and gin
Ink Gin’s striking indigo colour and bold character redefined the gin category upon its debut, and the Ink Art Competition extends this philosophy into the art world. The limited-edition release provides a unique opportunity for local talent to reach a national audience, while offering a standout product for retailers to showcase.
Reflecting on her win, Jambrak shared her excitement about the collaboration.
“It’s so awesome, I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I love the Ink Gin brand and the ethos behind it, so I’m really excited for this collaboration. The support and votes I received from everyone who follows my work made this happen so when I think about it that way, my heart feels so full. It’s also really exciting to see my work become accessible to more people.”
After transitioning from a graphic design career to full-time artist in 2019, Jambrak has built a reputation for her striking, contemporary artwork. Her pieces are available for purchase worldwide through her online store.
The limited-edition Ink Art Gin, featuring Jambrak’s design, is set to be a collector’s item for gin lovers and art enthusiasts alike. With only 2000 bottles available, it offers liquor retailers a unique product for the upcoming holiday season.