‘Sweet Dreams in the Missionary Position’ was an installation at Depot Artspace beginning with nine wasp nests sculpted from bible pages, some dating back to the 19th century. Over the exhibition period the nests multiplied, gradually colonising the space with hives.
The type of wasp Cocker references is the more common European (English) paper wasp, found in Aotearoa, Australia and other colonies. Paper wasps are parasitic by nature, paralysing their prey and then laying eggs into the inert host. The host will often die when the larvae emerges as an adult. Cocker’s works are suggestive of the Bible’s role as a tool in the so-called “civilising missions” of the 19th century. Through allegory, Cocker argues that Enlightenment ideals, nationalism, and Christian doctrine jointly acted as justification for the colonisation of the Pacific Islands and parts of the British Isles.
Cath Cocker is an artist of Tongan / Scottish descent who has recently moved to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland from Ōtepoti / Dunedin. Her work is conceptual and often site-specific, exploring multiple mediums including sound and light. Her exhibition at Depot Artspace from August – September 2021 was cut short by level 4 lockdown, but you can view its documentation here.
The type of wasp Cocker references is the more common European (English) paper wasp, found in Aotearoa, Australia and other colonies. Paper wasps are parasitic by nature, paralysing their prey and then laying eggs into the inert host. The host will often die when the larvae emerges as an adult. Cocker’s works are suggestive of the Bible’s role as a tool in the so-called “civilising missions” of the 19th century. Through allegory, Cocker argues that Enlightenment ideals, nationalism, and Christian doctrine jointly acted as justification for the colonisation of the Pacific Islands and parts of the British Isles.
Cath Cocker is an artist of Tongan / Scottish descent who has recently moved to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland from Ōtepoti / Dunedin. Her work is conceptual and often site-specific, exploring multiple mediums including sound and light. Her exhibition at Depot Artspace from August – September 2021 was cut short by level 4 lockdown, but you can view its documentation here.
Cath Cocker
Cath Cocker, 'Sweet Dreams in the Missionary Position'
NZ$150.00 - NZ$400.00
NZ$150.00 - NZ$400.00