'The Little Bird that Complained'
48x48cm 
Acrylic on canvas 
Fitted in a chocolate wooden float frame 
 
The Māori name for Rockwren is Piwauwau meaning 'little complaining bird'. 
I love this translation, I find it so fitting for the concept of this painting.  
 
This body of work explores Aotearoa through my identity as a sixth generation Pākehā. ‘Taonga’ examines the natural elements of Aotearoa which I love and feel such a deep connection to while acknowledging that they do not belong to me. The women in this collection wear native flora and fauna as an accessory, shrouded in grey; the long white cloud- scrutinising the complicated feelings of ownership toward these natural ammenities. This layer is seperate to their skin examining both the separation and closeness I feel to the land. I combine both my European lineage and taonga to express ideas bout identity, belonging and placement in current day Aotearoa.