2020 was a turbulent year for many.
This watchful guardian symbolises hope, piercing the darkness and signalling brighter times ahead. Delving into te ao Māori themes of safety and warnings inherent in the various calls of the ruru, the artwork's title pays homage to a whakataukī (Māori proverb) emphasising perseverance during difficult times: "E rua tau ruru; e rua tau wehe; e rua tau mutu; e rua tau kai." These words resonated deeply amidst the uncertainty of the global pandemic.
Through the interplay of light and sound, the ruru was brought to life, its blinking eyes ever watching over the spectators.
The project served as an exploration of light installations amidst New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown. Milk bottles, being readily available due to the suspension of curbside recycling during the lockdown, emerged as an apt sculptural medium. These milk bottles were meticulously converted into the ruru, giving it a mystical glow when lit with LED lights.
