After completing a BA in Sociology at the University of Auckland in 2001 Emily pursued a career
in costume design, a vocation where a knowledge of history and social theory could be integrated
with artistic skills. Following eight years working as a full-time costume designer and maker at the
Court Theatre in Christchurch, Emily has transitioned from adorning actors to adorning walls. Her
pieces are humorously perched on the line between kitsch and curiosity-cabinet-cool. Reworking
history with a wink.
Emily's diorama boxes retain influences from her theatrical roots. Quaint 3D scenes reminiscent of
old world stage sets and their spatial illusions, using flat cut outs layered against scenic backdrops.
Deconstructing vintage postcards and iconic images, Emily rearranges history to pose the question -
is extinction or exploitation a worse fate?
Digital collage printed on glass & acrylic panels, mounted in painted wooden frames