fiona garlick

Scattered
Cast bronze
Seed Pod - 2100 x 1300 x 1240mm; Seed - 870 x 400 x 420mm
Price on request

Fiona Garlick’s practice is concerned predominantly with the environment, referencing the postcolonial landscape and the tensions between introduced and native species of flora and fauna within New Zealand.

Scattered was created as an homage to a majestic copper beech tree that stands in the gardens of a homestead in the Lakes District of Otago. This tree is an example of the introduced species that have a lasting historical significance in the New Zealand landscape. Discussed at length and introduced by the Acclimatisation Societies of the early 1860’s, giant trees such as oaks, beech and maples can be seen as vestiges of colonialism, but they are also the silent witnesses to all that has come after them.

Scattered has a gentle presence on the hillside, with the organic, curving shapes of the seed pod and the subtle tones within the bronze patina catching the ever-changing light. With one seed removed from the rest of the sculpture, there is a soft sense of movement implied and we are reminded of nature’s constantly changing forms.

As Garlick describes: “I am passionate about the environment, in particular New Zealand's postcolonial landscape and the tensions between introduced and native species of flora and fauna. My background in documentary production means that I have a love for history and deep diving into primary resources. My aim is always to come up with a simple and beautiful way of representing a more complex story.”