Public, Temporary, Social

Conversations in Water, presented a temporary floating pathway and miniature wetland set floating on the surface of Wairarapa Moana. While seemingly precariously attached to the lake shore, the work continued to draw the viewer’s eyes and imagination across the water’s surface, each incredulous step presenting a set of new possibilities and choices.

This project featured as part of the Whakarongo ki te taiao, celebration of the RAMSAR status of the Wairarapa Moana.I was privileged to be invited to create a work for this event.

A Story

Prior to the event, I spent several hours at two different occasions testing the piece, always being graced by sunshine and relatively tranquil conditions. On the day, the work faced complications due to a change of weather, bringing wind, rain and waves pushing the work in different directions away from the shore. While there were a few nerve-wrecking moments for me, I was crucially aware that my challenge was but a speck of dust in comparison to the enormous challenges faced by this precious body of water, as a result of human activity, for so long.

The work survived. I too, increasingly connected and thankful. I hope that in some small way the work and the day’s ordeal highlighted the precious body of water and its heroic struggle to support life, past and present and future.