'Unmasked' - (Karen Hansen, 2021) Mixed Media Assemblage, Art Resin on Canvas

UNMASKED (2021) 1020x1020x390 mm

Unmasked, was created in response to the lockdowns, mandates and division of society during Covid times, first exhibited at the Rotorua Arts Village with Quiddity Collective.

He speaks heavily through his materials: Giant Single Use Syringes, feeding in dystopically to his tinfoil based victorian top hat, with medical tubing and attachments procured from the Rotorua Hospital in the late 1950's, early 1960's. The Syringes are held in place, by thermoplastic straps, and genuine New Zealand Defence Force brass buttons from early 20th century NZ army uniforms.

An oversized plague mask, is eyeing you up through salvaged computer elements, his nose jutting right into your personal space. 

Of course, the victoriana feel of this work, and army reference is also a nod to colonisation and the Tohunga Supression Act, which we should all remember in New Zealand history, particularly during these times. When settlers arrived, bringing disease with them, rongoa Maori and spiritual culture was outlawed in favour of 'science' and the 'greater good': with cultural practices (part of the Taonga represented and protected in the Treaty of Waitangi under Maori translation), going underground, and unable to be questioned or spoken about. This was a huge oppression tactic then, for the political landscape and control of the whenua and her people - it is easy to draw comparisons to the current events on a world wide scale.

All Karen Hansen Art Pieces over $300.00 come presented with a seal and certificate of authenticity for provenance and insurance purposes.