2022 Bird Dance study 1

Some themes were returned to several times by the artist, investigated multiple times. The two studies of Bird Dance (Bird Dance study 1, 2022 and Bird Dance study 2, 2023) are examples of this. Their origin is from dancers created in 2009, collectively appearing in an exhibition called “The Dance”. They explore ideas of youth and death, and the temporary quality of life itself.

The newer studies feature dancers as seen earlier. On each a small fantail perches, at first glance seeming as innocent as a cheeky companion that has perched on a convenient prop. But the fantail is known in Māori mythology as the predictor of death, appearing in many legends. It signals that the dance, and life itself, will one day end.