“Small Axe 09” is a collaborative video project incorporating a series of interviews with women as they straighten their hair. Produced by Janet Lilo and infused with work from Tanu Gago, Leilani Kake, Visesio Siasau + Serene Tay and Angela Tiatia, the project explores hair straightening as a metaphorical enquiry about cultural transformation when “brown art” from South Auckland moves into other exhibition spaces. Small Axe 09 is the Fresh Gallery Otara contribution to Auckland’s New Artists Show at Artspace. The show is a highlight of the Auckland exhibition calendar and promotes emerging national talent. Also exhibiting at Artspace are Newcall, a central Auckland based gallery and None, Dunedin’s long-running, enigmatic performance space. The Show runs from 5 September to 10 October 2009 at Artspace, Level 1, 300 Karangahape Road, Auckland.
Image courtesy if Fresh Gallery Otara.
