01.01.1970 - 01.01.1970
Rotorua Flow
/ /
This participatory site- and culture-responsive audio
installation, created by Aotearoa (NZ)-born, Sydney-based
public artist Allan Giddy, utilises the natural flow of
water to convey the voices of First Nations children,
speaking their messages to their community, their countries
and the world in their First Languages. The children’s
words, recorded and edited into soundscapes, are being
‘released’ into the water to flow to the oceans. This work
is essentially invisible to passersby, yet the underwater
audio can be accessed via a poetically simple means: a pole
held with one end in the water, the other against the ear.
As the project progresses the words that flow from children
around the world will, metaphorically, eventually meet and
mix with each other in the interconnected oceans of our
globe. This intermingling of First Words will symbolise both
the strength and support that First Cultures draw from
establishing relationships with each other globally, and the
interdependent nature of all humanity. 'Flow' is supported
by Creative New Zealand, the Australia Council for the Arts
and Create NSW. In Rotorua, Allan is creating 'Rotorua
Flow', working with children from schools he attended as a
child. The work will incorporate the voices of children from
Malfroy Primary School speaking te reo Māori, and the poles
will be carved into by students of Whakairo (Maori carving)
from Rotorua Boys’ High School. 'Rotorua Flow' is supported
by Creative New Zealand, facilitated by Rotorua Lakes
Council, and installed on the lakefront, in Te Arawa waters,
with the approval of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. With thanks to:
the staff of Malfroy Primary and Rotorua Boys' High School,
Ngati Whakaue, Pukeroa Oruawhata, Intercreate.org,
University of New South Wales.