Return to Aotearoa

This piece was created on the artist's first return to her home country, New Zealand, post Covid-19. New Zealand closed it's borders to it's own citizens for the duration of the pandemic, causing many kiwis to be displaced around the world, as visas fell through and circumstances changed.

This image is an expression of the death of freedom experienced in this time, as well as the new perspectives that came out of it.

The bird the subject holds, represents freedom in a broad sense, as well as the literal ability to fly. The New Zealand fern that springs from the bird, symbolises new growth, as well as a sense of attachment to the homeland in New Zealand culture.