this is not a vitrine, this is an ocean

Borrowing from a text penned by Jim Vivieaere (1947 – 2011) and with respect to Jim’s subtle word / image play, I am ‘channelling’ Vivieaere-esque sensibilities in both word and action. Jim Vivieaere was in love with the ocean. Separated from his homeland and connection to his Cook Island birth-family, it would seem that the ocean signified a connection to this place that he knew to be his source. The Vitrine becomes a transactional space between the artists and Vivieaere. All of the artists participating in this installation with Jim have thrown their ‘bottles’ into Jim’s ocean as a sign that they too remain connected to him in his ocean as an artist, mentor and friend.

Contributing artists:
Ani O’Neill(NZ & Cook is.) Henry Taripo (NZ & Cook is.) Richard Shortland Cooper (Ngapuhi/ Ngati Hine & Cook is.) Ian George (NZ & Cook is.) Kay George ( NZ, Cook Is.)  Michel Tuffery (Cook Is./Samoa/Tahiti/ Samoa)  Shigeyuki Kihara(Samoa, Japan, Samoa) Itania Nikolao(Samoa/ NZ) Niki Hastings-McFall(Samoa/ NZ) Lily Laita(Ngati Raukawa/Samoa) Lonnie Hutchinson(Kai Tahu/ Samoa) Angela Tiatia(Samoa/ NZ) Andrea Low(Samoa, NZ) Dagmar Dyck(Tonga/ NZ) Marlaina Key / Vaimaila Urale(Samoa/ NZ) Brian Butler (USA) Loretta Young (Samoa/ NZ) Sylvia Marsters (NZ & Cook Is.)

Curated by Leafa Wilson

5 August – 30 September

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, Hamilton