“There are two main purposes/messages in my work. Firstly, to help others understand topics they might not have had knowledge of previously and to give people that feeling of connection to a piece. My apartheid work reflects this as I feel there is a lack of knowledge around that time, especially in New Zealand. My work isn’t necessarily a representation of facts but more of an emotional and personal perspective. I saw my art as an opportunity to evoke understanding and empathy with people who lived through such a significant time. A variety of childhood experiences has influenced my art. My parents are from South Africa and I lived there for a short time. South Africa's political history was the motivation for my Year 11 portfolio topic of Apartheid."