new zealand-based sculptor brett graham, from the ngati koroki sub-tribe of tainui,
explores complex historical, political and cultural ideas, transforming them into compelling,
often witty and ironic, artistic statements executed as large-scale projects in varied materials.

as part of the 17th biennale of sydney, graham is presenting versions of western
'weapons of mass destruction', sculptures which are mainly made from MDF, steel
and rubber tires.



'mihaia', 2010
MDF, steel, rubber tires
image © designboom


'mihaia' (2010) is a near full-scale russian BRDM-2 scout car made from MDF, steel
and rubber tires. just as western nations often appropriate the names of fourth world peoples
for their weapons, indigenous peoples have appropriated the technology of their enemies
as ritualistic power symbols. a response to colonization has been the rise of indigenous
millenium cults seeking salvation, and identification with both the lost tribes of israel
and the later plight of palestinian refugees. the BRDM-2 has been used on both sides
of the middle eastern conflict.



back view
image © designboom



up close of tires
image © designboom



side view
image © designboom



front view
image © designboom



detail
image © designboom



detail
image © designboom



te hokioi, 2008
MDF, steel, car lacquer, wheels
image © designboom


'te hokioi' (2008) is a stealth bomber with its identity reformed by carved maori symbols.



detail
image © designboom



side / back view
image © designboom



detail of the wing
image © designboom



back view
image © designboom



back view
image © designboom


brett graham was born in auckland, new zealand in 1967 where he currently lives and works.
he is represented by two rooms gallery.