Wildlife (2006)

Mixed media installation

Guy Fawkes, perhaps the most exciting, dangerous and reckless of Kiwi celebrations, holds a contested place within New Zealand culture. Historically tied to this country's early foundation as a colony of Great Britain, its place as a New Zealand celebration has come under scrutiny as some deem it a dangerous and unnecessary remnant from our colonial past. This project aims to examine Guy Fawkes celebrations in Wellington and wider New Zealand culture.

Investigating rather than polemicising - Wildlife operates as an observational body of work. The project contemplates the social context of Guy Fawkes: the function of this event in our society.

The title, Wildlife reflects an attempt to recontextualise Guy Fawkes in a contemporary New Zealand setting as a celebration under threat. The recurring theme of bird-life provides a metaphor suggesting that domestic fireworks and inherently Guy Fawkes celebrations as we know them, are potentially endangered whilst also celebrating the positive and historic aspects of the life of this celebration within New Zealand.

Download essay: S.O.S. Save Us From Ourselves by Mark Williams
       Courtesy Enjoy Public Art Gallery 2006 Catalogue