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” - commemorating the first anniversary of the March 15 terrorist attacks.
March 15, 2019
I made this sculpture in early 2020 when March 15th - the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Christchurch mosques - 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 visited the hospital and spent time with survivors and families who lost loved ones. This piece is compressed by the weight of the tragedy, which left an entry and exit wound in my heart. 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 holding a placard with "nothing about us without us" in Latin during Canterbury Earthquake Recovery
Disabled woman dancing with her wheelchair for International Day of People With Disabilities in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Flower memorial for March 15 terrorist attacks on Christchurch Mosques, March 19, 2019
Poster at memorial n support of victims of terrorist attacks on Christchurch Mosques reading "we stand as one Christchurch, love will win against hatred, racism, terrorism, white supremacism."
A fireman launching a "memory boat" in recognition of the loss of his home and suburb (Brooklands) as a result of the Canterbury Earthquakes
A older woman protestor, calling out her insurance company (AMI) for business practices that don't respect human rights.
A young man in a red T shirt holding a "restore democracy placard" advocating for a human rights based recovery after the permanent closure of several schools following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Housing is a human right. Protestors demonstrating in Christchuch against the slow pace of recovery and state of damaged housing.
Earthquake damaged home, with the sides missing and only the roof still on. Heathcote Valley, Christchurch
Deep fissures across the road in the earthquake damaged suburb of Avonhead, Christchurch
Human rights protestors holding a "Nothing about us without us" placard in pink paint at a protest march about the lack of consultation in the Canterbury earthquake recovery.
"Be strong" a message hanging in a "memory tree" in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, to commemorate the first anniversary of the Canterbury earthquakes.
All photos are from my human rights work