Stephen Mulqueen
Steel and demolition hardwood
Mulqueen approaches his work as artist-archaeologist, excavating
layers of human culture and examining links between natural and
industrial processes. By delving into the local through the
disparate channels of history and geography, he creates visual
narratives that seek to reveal universal truths.
Animals are one strand in our relationship with the natural
world . Mulqueen's Rua-Kuriwao, the Red Bush
Dog or Ginger is, however, no flesh-and-fur
beast but a large rectangular timber and steel creature that
embodies the essence of the spike nail commonly known as a 'dog' by
railway workers. 'Rua kuriwao asks us to reflect on the
past, on the present, and accompanies us as we navigate into the
future as guardians of the whenua or land', says Mulqueen.
Stephen Mulqueen's works are held in private and public
collections in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. He divides his
time between New Zealand and Ireland and has close ties with
Australia where he was recently made an honorary associate in the
department of Human Geography at Macquarie University. He is a
graduate of Australian National University, Canberra School of Art
and Otago School of Art. From 1983 to 2000 he practised as a
contemporary jeweller and was a founding member of Fluxus Workshop
and Gallery, Dunedin. He has received many awards and
commissions.
Major commissions include a viewing platform for Motupohue/Bluff
Hill (1994-2000) and Kuri Art in Public Places, Dunedin City
Council (2007). Solo exhibitions include:
Papakihau/slapped by the wind (1993-1996);
Whakamaoritanga/translations (2000); Tiwai (2004)
and Making History Waiheke Island Community Art Gallery
(2008).
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