Bronwen Main is a multidisciplinary artist and designer working at the intersection of ecology and biomaterial innovation, engaging in furniture, architecture and sculpture. Through her practice, she aims to pave the way for more regenerative practices in urban art, demonstrating how public art projects can foster community and environmental stewardship in shared spaces for both human and non-human. 

Her background is in contemporary art and architecture. Before completing her Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne, Bronwen studied Contemporary Art in New York and later became an ambassador in the Visitor Experience Team at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. During this time, this museum welcomed 7 million visitors annually. This experience transformed Bronwen’s understanding of audience engagement, the accessibility of public art, and the role of arts programming in shaping cities.

Bronwen has lectured and taught design studios, technology, history, and theory at the Melbourne School of Design and the Monash Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture. She has studied at Tianjin University, China, and the Pratt School of Architecture, in Brooklyn. In 2019, she conducted research at the Pratt Consortium for Research and Robotics to explore new modes of creative production utilising New York City’s largest industrial robot. 

Bronwen practiced at Kerstin Thompson Architects and SJB, before starting her own design and artistic practice. Her works have been showcased at the Green Design Show, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Salamanca Arts Centre, Linden New Art Gallery and Melbourne Design Week.


Artist & Designer

Bronwen Main


Bibliography

Email


 Exhibitions & Commissions
Current

Past



“Harvest” Series of Hemp Murals, Green Design Show Melbourne Exhibition Centre (2024)

Hemp Furniture Series

The Main Chair: Furniture Designs for “In Conversation” Series Music VenueHigh Note, Northcote (2023)

Algorithm-aided design: New modes of creative production Pratt Consortium for Research & Robotics, Brooklyn NC (2019)



    Above: In conversation series with Detroit-based legend Marcellus Pittman, featuring the Main Chairs.
    By repurposing overlooked materials, Bronwen not only creates joyful and experimental pieces but also sparks a broader conversation about the role of designers in shaping a sustainable future. Bronwen works closely with local suppliers and craftspeople, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement and sustainable sourcing. The result is a collection of distinctive pieces that not only highlight Main's design acumen but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious approach to design & manufacturing in Australia. Central to her design philosophy is a critical examination of material origins. She believes that designers play a crucial role in preserving our environment, and her work exemplifies a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Music venue High Note (brought to you by music heavy hitters Crown Ruler) acquired two of Bronwen’s chairs for their artist talks and community space. 

    In her most recent collection using timber sourced from Ceres Fair Wood, Bronwen Main explores the potential of timber which would have otherwise gone to landfill due to its “imperfections” caused by the fire-affected trees in Drouin on the border of Bunurong/GunaiKurnai country during the Black Saturday bushfires. In a latest series of chairs, each piece narrates a compelling story of Main's dedication to repurposing materials destined for landfill — the unique qualities render each chair a one-of-a-kind piece.


    Concept sketches


    Photo by Leo Showell, High Note