Land lines : May 2018

‘Land lines’ a hand stitched abstract topographic map of Taranaki rising from the ring plain.

Land lines is an exploration of what it is to be indigenous to place & a comment about the responsibility which comes with that role.

'Land lines' undyed muka thread on black cotton fabric

'Land lines' detail

'Land lines' on display at the gallery

Land lines is a comment on the attitude toward land & the treatment of land in the modern context, especially regarding the industrial farming practices of rural Taranaki.
The modern context seems to view land as being useful ONLY if it can be somehow made to make, save or hoard money for individuals.

It is a comment about how the geographical & geological boundaries are no longer regarded as significant nor honoured.

It is a comment about how the rivers who originate from the mountain & who remain somewhat protected within the circular confines of the national park are completely disrespected on the other side; they are polluted, their course is altered & their river banks are denuded.

It is a comment about how the songlines have been replaced with landlines.

It is a passionate comment, without aggression but with inconsolable sadness.

'Land lines' 50cm square

'Land lines' hanging in the gallery

'Pouakai rising' Hugh's piece is seen here in the foreground

Land lines was created to be my entry into the annual Lysaght Watt Art Awards which is currently on til June 10th at the gallery in Hawera.
The LWAW is hosted & funded by the trust & each year there is a theme for the submissions to comply with.
This year the theme was 'Rising'.