“Pieces Of The Island (From Island To Island) Part 1,” a performance by Korean artist EunSun Heo, delved into the theme of division and isolation, drawing parallels between Korea and New Zealand. Heo’s work reflected on Korea’s unique geography, surrounded by sea on three sides and sharing a land border with North Korea, creating a quasi-island experience where travel to other countries necessitates air or sea transport.

Heo drew comparisons with New Zealand, an island nation comprising the North and South Islands, noting the different reasons for their separation. Particularly intriguing to her was Wellington’s position between these islands, where the divide creates strong winds. In her performance, Heo focused on the symbolic act of transporting air from her ‘island’ to another, using a collection of tools to meld, mix, and blend the air, thereby creating a tangible connection between these geographically and culturally distinct lands. This act served as a metaphor for bridging divides and blending elements of different worlds.

Photography by Robyn Jordaan