NEAL, Alexis
Treasured (Maori)
Mixed media artist Alexis Neal is consistently
drawn to depicting objects of taonga as she
sees them possessing a wairua or spirit beyond
their physical presence. The treasures included
in the semi-circular mezzotint entitled Treasured
(1997) include ear pendants, a carved piece of
bone and a shell necklace. These are not cheap,
throw-away items of jewellery purchased from a
ubiquitous mall jewellery store but are objects to
be worn, treasured and adored.
