Ryan Williams
"My art predominately explores the idea of the overarching catharsis of discovering your own self, within a society in Aotearoa, of ongoing intergenerational trauma and cultural hegemony. I explore the fracturing of my own self and internalised dissonance, towards both my Māori and Scottish Heritage, as well as its relation to the state of the whenua, and how we can act as kaitiaki. In essence exploring my internal trauma as an example for others.
Personally, my heritage, who I am (Ko Wai Au?), and my cultural identity relates heavily to my artistic practice, where art acts as the form to explore my own self, breaking away from my scientific/analytical tendencies, which drives me towards authentic practice. My research scientifically and culturally involving kukuwai and wiarepo also shapes my research, where Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau, a reserve of kukuwai, wetlands acts as the predominate landscape of subject matter, it acts as the beating of heart of papatuanuku, my practice, and my own identity."
