“Briefcase” is a preliminary exploration that exploits an abandoned briefcase to investigate the notion of “terrorism” in New Zealand by the means of bombing structures.
This initial study is intended as a foundation for future work, which I envisage, will explore events in New Zealand’s modern history, focusing on the 1980s ‘terrorist attacks’, such as the Wanganui Computer Centre, the Wellington Trades Hall and the “Rainbow Warrior” bombings. In addition to the 80’s bombings I will also explore a suicide bombing that occurred last century outside the Murchison Courthouse in 1905.
The inspiration of using a briefcase came from the Wellington Trades Hall bombing where a briefcase was utilised to accommodate the bomb. Although the other structures (Wanganui Computer Centre, Rainbow Warrior and the Murchison Courthouse), were damaged by other devises, I have given myself artistic leeway to use the briefcase as the antagonistic catalyst.
The briefcase alludes to secrets past and present, privy to all things unknown. It is representative of power, a certain mentality, a menacing factor heightened by the fear of abandonment – all alone.
