1835

I’ve been making these as I watch three privileged men who grew up in Aotearoa rapidly erase any progress we have made as a country over the last 189 years. The Māori images displayed in these wearable pieces may slowly disappear, but the facts in our history including this date will remain. He Whakaputanga 28th October 1835.

I make out of anger, sadness, confusion and despair, but I also make with hope. Hope as an act of resistance.

The images are full size polaroids, all one offs so first in first served. They come with one or two holes at the top with keyrings so that you can attach them to a necklace, badge, carabiner or whatever chunky chain you want.
You can wear it on yourself or your bag every damn day that you want to display your resistance to what’s happening. Power doesn’t need to be loud.
They are made to be worn not hidden or stored.

I ask the wearers to send a pic to me of these being worn, and when people ask you what the 1835 is about tell them about this kaupapa and put the responsibility back on them to educate themselves about He Whakaputanga and the rest of the suppressed history of our country.

Thanks in advance for being my mobile gallery space!