Simon Kaan recently featured on Episode 1: Fine Arts - from ASIA: Art Stories In Aotearoa with Radio New Zealand
In this documentary series 18 Asian-NZ artists from a range of disciplines reflect on how life in Aotearoa informs their work and sense of identity.
In Episode 1 Kadambari Radhukumar meets Simon along with sculptor Yona Lee and interdisciplinary artist Yuki Kihara, three fine artists whose work transcends gallery walls.
As a fifth-generation New Zealander of Chinese, Māori (Ngāi Tahu) and Pākeha ancestry, Simon discusses how his mixed heritage informs his practice.
Land, sea and sky images dominate his art pieces, and the waka is a regular motif in his work. Although distinctly Māori, the waka is also symbolic of migratory travels and celestial offerings.
Very influenced by the Otago landscape, Simon is now exploring large-scale outdoor design and helping reflect a greater cultural diversity and revival in Dunedin's urban environment.
Simon is scheduled to have an exhibition at Sanderson in September.
Watch the episode here
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