Video work, 02:42. Performance installation. 

 

Vaine Kurakura (translation = Mother Earth) is a documented performative installation, engaging with the current state of climate change and land rights issues within the Pacific Islands. Examining the distinct dichotomy between the beauty of the Polynesian culture, and the ongoing crisis within the Islands. Expanding upon the filmic field, the work utilises traditional Cook Island dance in collaboration with projecting split screen displayed upon the mis-en-scene. In collaboration with the visuals, the sounds are a combination of traditional chants, choir singing and drumbeats. This to represent the silence of the voices trying to unearth the climate change issues, the voices within the sound are drowned out. The work is a multi-perspective piece, to reflect the voices of the Islands contrasted with the ignorance of the outside world. Within the two perspective shots, its evident that there’s someone invading the space of the mis-en-scene, creating a metaphorical invasion of land right issues and ownership. Utilising projection over a performative work, highlights the multifaceted layered nature of the Island cultures, and the histories that lay within the land.

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‘Tiaki mai I ahau, maku anokoe e tiaki’ (translation = If you look after me, then I will look after you), this work was inspired by this law. A law created by the God of the ocean, Tangaroa, instigated this work to speak upon the current issues within the Pacific Islands, and educate the wider western audience. Overall, Vaine Kurakura represents the silent sounds of the Pacific Islands in these troubling times, reflecting upon our traditional cultural heritage to educate and instigate change.