Kauri ngahere (forests) in Waitākere face ongoing accumulated violence through land alienation, forest clearance, kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida), and atmospheric contamination. These contexts, along with Aotearoa settler-colonial history, mean kauri are both denied the status of personhood and at risk of extinction.

Working with Aerochrome – Kodak’s photochemical military surveillance infrared film originally developed for the American War on Vietnam, Athena explores how this film may be reoriented from extraction towards care. For Athena, the Aerochrome is an active agent in selecting what to reveal and conceal. In this way, kauri, Aerochrome, and the photographer engage as conspicuous collaborators in a framework that embraces paradox without resolution, and seeks to explore unique relational capacities of the more-than-human.

The exhibition marks the completion of Athena's PhD studies.

*Please note: the celebration event for this exhibition will be combined with a forthcoming Gallery 2 opening on Thursday 26 March, 5pm.