  Another highly absorbing and thought provoking exhibition opened on Wednesday in Hamilton; Two talented women joined forces for their exhibition opening at the New Media Show in Hamilton, New Zealand this week. The first was Maree Mills (lecturer in video production and experimental video at University of Waikato). Her installation 'Hau: breath/wind' explores "communication of ethereal and/or cosmological concepts inherent in the Maori world view, from a female perspective. ' Maree believes video installation is a 'multi-layered form of communication that can make some headway towards articulating aspects of tikanga Maori for the twenty first century. Margaret Orbell in her book 'The Natural World of the Maori' says that "Human breath was experienced as the counterpart of the breath of the world, which was felt to possess a kind of life. " The harnessing of the elements in order to carry messages or the rising of winds to augur a spiritual presence is a concept notable in many indigenous cultures. In this work, a female deity is called forth by the elements, from progeny of the deceased, in order to assist the journey of the soul. " (Maree Mills, 2004) I found 'Hau' , with it's connetations to the divine, and the subtle, yet highly seducive placement of the video footage, mesmerising and intriguing.
I feel this installation pulls you into the very chasm of creation and enables the viewer a tantalizing glipse of the circle of life. The second was Margi Moore (teacher at the Waikato Institute of Technology). Her film 'Rory 2004' Abby plays The Sims for 45 minutes (Video 22 minute loop) "This video work is deliberately antithetical to most video games. Unlike the games, is quiet, repeptitive, lacking in colour and has little or no activity. Sound is excluded, offering little clue as to what is occuring. This is the face of video games that parents rarely see, as we are normally removed from the activity. The game is an occupier of time, a tool for entertainment, or at worst, a babysitter. As the author of this work, I too am absent. I set up the camera and left the scene so my presence did not impact on the experience. Rory is the identity Abby gives herself as a character in the games.
As a viewer you are invited to contemplate her face and the subtle responses Abby has to the game she is playing. " (Margi Moore, 2004) My reaction to 'Rory April 2004' was that I found it both fascinating and disturbing; Fascinating because you cannot seem to take your eyes away from the obviously rapped attention on this girls face. Disturbing because it is not YOU the girls is fascinated with, but something you cannot SEE; in the fact that you watch the face of a young woman who shows absolutely no cultural or social recognition of another being present throughout the whole video.
It is almost as if you are within the computer and a tiny part of her game without her recognition at all. A strong message to us all and perhaps a glimpse of the very near future? Both pieces are wonderfully and terribly powerful. A great sinergy of different world views and messages, joining forces to bring to us the power and talent of these amazing women. Strong talent, bold statements, amazing creative energies! If you are anywhere in Hamilton I definitely recommend a visit: New Media Show 10-14 August 2004 (Maree and Margi) Platform 01 Victoria Street Hamilton New Zealand 
