"This work was created in 2011 and was a starting point of my moving image and performance practice. I wanted to combine my parallel worlds, one of my non-existent Polynesian culture and my involvement in the sport of woodchopping. I have been competing in woodchopping since I was 14. I was in a place were I couldn’t ignore these separate parts of my life, I hope that this work opens up others to embrace and accept difference. I wore a raffia costume that I had made the same way as Polynesian skirts, the movements within the moving image are of the techniques used to chop and saw a block of wood in competitive woodchopping."
Two of the artist's parallel worlds combined: wood chopping and their Polynesian culture.
The disapproval of family members is physically manifested and endured.
Apelu explores the mythology surrounding Hine-nui-te-pō, the daughter of the god Tāne.
A homage to the defence reaction of the Niuean people to defend itself from the threat of infection.
An Interview with Darcell Apelu
Darcell Apelu talks to Mark Williams about a recent residency in Yorkshire spent contemplating her practice.