Exotic Native. Immigrants' Portrait

Exotic Native. Immigrants' Portrait , 2006-2026
Bronze
1000 mm cube

New Zealand’s Rewarewa is more closely related to the South African
Protea than to many other native species, a connection traced back to
Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that once joined these distant
lands. This unlikely kinship informs the idea of the “exotic native", something both deeply rooted and geographically displaced.

“As an immigrant to New Zealand, I identify with the idea of the ‘exotic
native’. My sculptural practice focuses on drawing attention to New
Zealand’s unique forests. I am guided by an intuitive response to forms
found in the bush, using them to explore parallels between natural
cycles and the human condition."