Ugly cry

tissues, paint, glue, oxidised copper coins, oxidised brass, vintage pearls

72cm long

2020

Christine is a visual artist whose practice investigates the role and value of traditional craft methods within contemporary art. Driven by an ongoing interest in the marginalisation of domestic arts and the history of body adornment, Christine continues to develop her practice as a jewellery/object maker. Working with mundane and hobbyist materials, she works intuitively to create contemplative works that explore ideas around gender, value and domesticity. Originally trained in textile design, Christine completed a Bachelor of Applied Arts Visual at Northtec in 2006.

“Let’s face it, 2020 has been downright miserable. We are living in a time of immense sadness yet in a culture which highly values happiness. Collectively we’ve had much to cry about this year, but for all the tears shed, I imagine just as many remain unshed as stoic kiwis donned brave faces, and concealed their sorrow for those around them.

But at what cost? At some point during 2020 I began saving my used tissues and incorporating them into my work. It somehow felt cathartic to be acknowledging sadness in this way instead of trying to deny or even eliminate its existence.

This work is not intended as a reminder of our turbulent year, but rather as an expression of a state of mind felt by New Zealanders in 2020, and a tangible reminder to normalise sadness.”

‘I’m not crying, it’s just been raining on my face’ – Flight of the Conchords.