In 1972 I went to Elam School of Fine arts, Auckland University to study sculpture. My first year at Elam was a general introduction – but, my work focussed on sculpural works. I made huge clothes lines of sheets and linen in the feilds at Huia – recording them as the end point.  I took sculpture in my second year and undertook more installation & performance work and made super 8 films. During my time with the sculpture department I developed Cabbage Enterprises  – a pseudo business, with costumes, logos, latex moulds and actual cabbages in the gardens near the studios. I also developed a range of female personae which inhabit early film and photographic work. I also recorded others performances.

In my third year I moved to do Photography and set about to work solely in colour. In 1974 I helped build the first colour darkroom at Elam.

Here is a selection of work from this time.

“My cloths were not sweet and ‘aired the linen in public”
(Fiona Clark, email correspondence with Bridie Lonie 4/6/00)

Cover illustration: Fiona Clark, Pink Swirl, 1998.
Genes & Archives: Fiona Clark Mines the Unimaginable, by Bridie Lonie

ART NEW ZEALAND
Number 95, Winter 2000
P O Box 10249, Auckland 1003,
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At first there was “The Sheila’s Arms”. It opened in 1992, then changed to “Club 47”. The building was demolished in October 1996, These images are part of a series. New Plymouth, Taranaki.

It’s about how a few of those infected with HIV live with, (and all too often die from) AIDS. What you are seeing is a piece of their lives. They have given you that glimpse in the hope that by showing this much of themselves they may help to make our world a safer and more comfortable place. What you take from that offering is important, so we ask that you also leave something behind. The pages of this book have been provided for you to add a contribution to the exhibition. It is yours to use or to ignore. We only ask that, whatever you do, you do it with care. Daniel Feilding, PEOPLE WITH AIDS COLLECTIVE