'Material Instinct' Exhibition Opening

Material Instinct is an exhibition exploring the intersecting practices of Hulita Koloi, Malaki Peter Lakisoe Aiono, Ana Garcia, Llenyd Price and Ken Khun. Materiality plays a significant role in our cultural identities; the versatility that comes from materials can give rise to new meanings which we bestow onto them, forever changing how one reads many daily objects in relation to their original function.

Some of the works reflect the artists’ personal realms, whilst others approach experiences of communal environments. The artists in this show approach materials in their own distinct manner, yet they each focus on how these materials reflect rich histories; histories which are subject to change through the manipulation and subtraction of context at the hands of the artist. Altering materials in this way disrupts traditional readings of what an object or surface signified in its original context–there is a confrontation which arises from this loss of intended function. The works of Khun, Koloi, Garcia, Price and Aiono contain remnant qualities of that which they once represented, not quite the same as they once were.

The artists acknowledge Depot Artspace’s rich history in Te Hau Kapua – Devonport. It is connected to the mainland but feels almost distant and detached, at once part of the city while also at a remove; something which will be reflected in each practice here. Each artist resides in Aotearoa yet experiences this sense of semi-displacement in finding their steps here–a sense of community and belonging is what brings all five artists together.