Israel Randell is a multi-disciplinary artist of Cook Island (Rarotonga) and Māori (Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu) descent, whose fascinating techniques combine image, light and sound to fuel cultural conversations through space.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m a mother, artist, curator and writer. I’m interested in showcasing artists who push boundaries with their materials and ideas. I’m currently more interested in writing and curatorial practice as opposed to making art myself.
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO WORK IN THE CREATIVE SPACE?
Initially I wanted to be a journalist, so I’ve always been interested in storytelling. I’ve only just started my career in the creative space and I’m definitely loving this side of the arts. I like the role curators play in advocating for the arts and artists, and at this point in my life I want to focus on other people’s practice rather than my own so I’m really enjoying working in this space. I actually never thought I’d ever work in the arts but now that I’m here I would hate to work in any other sector.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART
I work with a range of media and I get really excited responding to different spaces and thinking about how an audience would move through that space. I usually create installations but I also love making video-based media and installations using light.
WHAT WAS YOUR CONCEPT FOR YOUR WORK THAT SAW YOU WIN THE TAURANGA ART GALLERY 2020 MILES ART AWARDS?
The work was called Wahi Ngaro and it refers to the hidden realm, an in-between space. The triangles represent the wharetangata, which is a womb space and, to me, this symbology refers to that moment between being and non- being; an in-between space where there is still infinite potential. These triangles also reference whakapapa (genealogy) and are used throughout taaniko patterns.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE PEOPLE WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING IN THE CREATIVE SPACE?
Find your people who you can call and ask for advice, or vent to, or share your victories with. It’s so important to have people in your corner to support you through whatever you come up against and that’s so true in the creative space. It’s not easy pursuing the arts in any capacity so it’s good to surround yourself with great people who you can lean on. I’ve had awesome mentors throughout my journey who have helped shape the person I am today and who continue to offer guidance when I’m unsure.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON/STUDYING?
At the moment I’m working on some small projects while I’m on maternity leave. Mostly I’m doing a lot of writing and interviews, organising some initiatives for rangatahi and planning some exciting things for the gallery in 2022. I’ve taken a pause on making anything this year but I’m really excited about a few projects I’m involved in which are coming out very soon.