Human rights and art activism
As a human rights specialist over the past decade, I am acutely aware of what Václav Havel called the “power of the powerless,” and the critical role art can play in challenging injustice and strengthening democracy. My work in human rights continues to shape the way I think about values, representation, identity and inclusion in my creative practice.
“Belief” - March 15, 2019
I made this sculpture in early 2020 when March 15th - the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Christchurch masjidain - was looming large and weighing heavily.
The attacks demonstrated that New Zealand’s geographical isolation does not protect us from violent, transnational, neo-fascist ideology. Led by the Muslim community, there was great unity in our collective grieving. And there was great strength.
Through my work in human rights, I spent time with survivors and families who lost loved ones. This piece is compressed by the weight of the tragedy, but the green symbolises hope—hope and faith that collectively we can and will do better.
Human rights gallery
185 Empty Chairs art installation in remembrance of the loss of lives, livelihood and way of life following the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes
Human rights protestor with a "nothing about us without us" placard written in Latin during Canterbury earthquake recovery
Disabled woman dancing with her wheelchair on International Day of People With Disabilities in Christchurch
Flower memorial for March 15 terrorist attacks on Christchurch masjidain, March 19, 2019
Poster at memorial in support of victims of terrorist attacks on Christchurch masjidain
A fireman launching a "memory boat" in commemoration of the loss of his home and suburb (Brooklands) as a result of the Canterbury Earthquakes
A protestor calling out her insurance company (AMI) for a lack of communication
A young man protesting after the permanent closure of his school following the Canterbury earthquakes
Protestors demonstrating in Christchurch about the slow pace of earthquake recovery and the state of their damaged homes
Earthquake damaged home, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch
Deep fissures in the earthquake damaged suburb of Avonhead, Christchurch
Protestors demonstrating about the lack of consultation in the Canterbury earthquake recovery
A message hanging in a "memory tree" in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, to commemorate the first anniversary of the Canterbury earthquakes
All photos are my own, taken from my human rights work