GABRIELLE BELZ
NEW ZEALAND, NGĀPUHI, ATIAWA
Flora and Fauna, - Ngā Tamariki a Tāne – to which we humans also belong as part of the wide whānau of all living things.
The thinnest of hand pulled Harakeke (Phormium tenax, NZ Flax) paper is used to express the fragility of the environment. The threads of muka in and emanating from the paper represent the whakapapa connections we have to each other and our total environment.
Harakeke gives shelter to coast lines and wetlands and the life forms there. It is used as a medicine. The practical uses of cordage, for garments of practicality and prestige, for whāriki (mats) for kete of many purposes all come from this wonderful plant.
Each of the works feature manu (birds) in the imagery, representing differences in needs and positive contributions to society and community, both factually and figuratively whether discussing humanity, or the natural world around us.
In Balance
2020
Harakeke paper
Ka Tangi ngā Manu
2020
Reduction relief print, plus coloured pencil on Fabriano Rosapina paper Framed with glass
Mauriora
2001
Reduction print on Fabriano, framed under glass