What do you do?

I am an artist based in Ōtautahi. I predominantly create figurative works that interpret and explore tensions between phenomenology and the physical/built environment.

What could you imagine doing if you didn’t do what you do?

Definitely a musician or a film-maker

The first artwork that made an impact on you?

‘Family Tyranny/Cultural Soup’ by Paul McCarthy. Saw it at Auckland Art Gallery when I was a teenager and it blew my mind.

What are you listening to?

At the moment I’m listening to a lot of Captain Beefheart especially his record ‘Safe as Milk’. I’m also really loving Mile Davis’ record ‘Tutu’. I gravitate to either very wild, noisy music or mystical atmospheric music depending on my mood.

What are you reading?

Short stories by Leonora Carrington. Very surreal just like her paintings. I’m also listening to an audiobook of ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang.

An artist (living or dead) you would like to meet?

Sylvain Chomet or Pauline Curnier Jardin.

What’s next?

I am collaborating with Hana Pera Aoake on the billboards at Te Tuhi, and currently have a show at Coastal signs with Tom Tuke and Alex Laurie. I’m very excited! After that, I plan to continue working in the studio.

Do you have an artwork by another artist you are currently coveting?

l have a very special work by Tyrone Te Waa that I can’t wait to frame

Image: Naomi Haussmann