LOUIE ZALK-NEALE
artist

LANDBORNE WHETŪ  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2023
  


In Landborne Whetū, the artist wears a modified wetsuit with gills made from neoprene and sea sponges, which seems to allow them to absorb oxygen from their environment like a sea creature. This kākahu (garment) is held together with miro tī kōuka (cabbage tree fibre rope), from the leaves of the same type of tree seen in the video.

A poiawhiowhio (traditional sound instrument) is swung to tangi (sing, call out, cry) to this massive kuia tī kōuka (ancient tree) before approaching to spend time with her on a winter afternoon. The tree is on a sheep farm in Reikorangi, inland from Waikanae in Aotearoa New Zealand. The performance coaxes forth the mauri (life force/energy) held in whakapapa (connection to environment and ancestry) and gender fluidity.
Commissioned by BODYHAUS queer strip club night, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, NZ, 2023.

Also presented at  Arten Festival, Switzerland, July 2024 and Toi Matarau Gallery, Māoriland, Ōtaki, NZ.





MANA TIPUA TUKU IHO    
  〉 〉 〉 〉 〉 〉 〉 2024

Ngai-Kore-Tua-Mao & Rewa-Taha  
  〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2024
 
  〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2024
   

TAURA residency  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2024

Beyond your tadpole stage // your spinal cord dissolves  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2023
  

 Watering Intimacies Residency (Taiwan)  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2023

LANDBORNE WHETŪ  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2023

Ngā Manuhiri Taura (the visiting ropes) 
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2022

TRANSCESTOR
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2021


MANA TIPUA TUKU IHO  
〉〉〉〉〉〉〉2021