Megan Huffadine

who will sing for the vanishing earth
These works refer to Wunderkammer or Cabinets of Curiosity which developed in 16 th
Century Europe. They were the precursor to the modern museum. Wunderkammer held
collections of objects gathered from the natural world, including genuine objects and fakes
juxtaposed with made objects and works of art. They were often presented as a symbolic
microcosm of the world – a collection of objects that allowed for the shared exploration of
ideas and encouraged curiosity about the world. In this time of climate change conversations
about the natural world and rethinking our understanding of it seems essential.
Consider the Whanganui River Treaty Settlement. The Whanganui River has been declared
a “legal person” with all the rights powers and duties of a person. Kennedy Warne, writing for
New Zealand Geographic, wrote; “By declaring that the river is beyond ownership,
possession or control, the settlement points to a new way of dwelling in the world: a new
ethics of respect and reciprocity, recognising our dependency on the earth and our
responsibility for it.”
As a result of my work in museums and a background in archaeology I am interested in the
idea that a group of objects can be used to tell a story. These works are presented as a
cabinet or shrine with objects that encourage contemplation of their origins and significance.
While some of the sculptures make direct reference to the real world, others are symbolic or
developed from remembered artefacts in museums.

Louann Sidon
‘Phantasm’

My work delves into the realms of religion, rituals, relics and objects of curiosity. Using
monochromatic watercolors and bronze powder, I explore how symbolism and form can
evoke both the known and the mysterious. Silhouettes play a key role in my work, allowing
for ambiguity and personal interpretation. Each work becomes a space for introspection,
where fragmented narratives invite contemplation. These ethereal works, where shapes
and silhouettes emerge and dissolve, also offer a glimpse into obscured spiritual
dimensions.

Kiya Murman

Finding a Balance

I started these canvases either with an old painting scrubbed back to nice blurry splodges or
by making random brush strokes on a cleanish canvas. In both cases, I worked over and into
them trying to make agreeable abstract compositions, balancing colours, different types of
lines and patterns. There were many happy hours of adding and taking off and although
there was no intentional theme, recognizable motives did emerge.