Plaited Bodyform, titled 'Toa Wahine'

This bodyform, titled 'Toa Wahine', was made by contemporary Maori artist and weaver Donna Campbell.

"My work currently is exploring the possibility of the human form in harakeke. The weaving becomes increasingly more challenging as the forms become more complex and realistic. My purpose was to push my own boundaries in terms of technique."

"The concept behind Toa Wahine is the idea that we are shaped and conditioned as women, by outward forces beyond our control, environmental, socio-economic, cultural, and gender specific stereotypes. Toa Wahine is suspended in space and the viewer is invited to experience the internal space, or void, where all creation can take place.'

Made from black dyed harakeke with paua-shell elements and complemented with copper and silver wire thread Toa Wahine 'represents an exploration of issues that are contemporary and relevant to women, in particular Māori women. Toa Wahine explores the ideas of the conditioning of women, by environmental, socio-economic, cultural and gender specific stereotypes.'

Donna Campbell is a contemporary weaver of Nga Puhi, Ngati Ruanui, and European descent, who uses traditional weaving techniques, and likes to includes 'materials both found and made to enhance the textural properties as well the as the visual impact' of her work. 'My works are a personal enquiry into the human condition, specifically female.'