Godspeed
Wesley John Fourie

For our fourth show, we present an online only exhibition by Wesley John Fourie, featuring three new video works.
All three works see the artist explore confession as a form of catharsis, linking their lived experience to the themes of the anthems, before performing each song.

”A Million Miles Away” is a song about making the decision to leave, and here Fourie performs it in their final days in Tamaki Makaurau, as they leave both their studio and their place of residence behind to return to Otepoti Dunedin. Sung as a an anthem of liberation, capturing the emotions and thoughts that accompany such a significant decision. The lyrics delve into the sense of detachment and the desire to break free from the confines of a job or a specific location. Byrne's words reflect the yearning for change, the need to escape a stagnant or unfulfilling situation. They express the feeling of being disconnected from one's surroundings, seeking a fresh start or a new direction.

Objects used in the performance include: Fabric scissors, staple gun, Mortein bug spray, Mizone water bottle, Antipodes water bottle, Ross Mitchell-Anyon ceramic mug, wool skein, metal scrubbing brush, Cleanskin Cabernet Savignon.

In "Money (that’s what I want)” Fourie seeks to emphasize the satirical nature of the song, highlighting its relevance in today's society where material possessions often dominate our collective consciousness. Encapsulating the zeitgeist of our times, in a country currently experiencing record inflation, soaring interest rates and food prices, the work speaks to a desperation to escape the poverty so often found amongst artists. Through this song, Wesley explores the relationship between money and power, and the often-corrupting influence that wealth can have on individuals.

Objects used in the performance include: Banana, metal scrubbing brush, scissors, staple gun.

"I Need to Be in Love" serves as a poignant reminder that love is an essential element of the human experience. It speaks to the universal longing we all share, highlighting the profound impact that love can have on our lives, whether in its presence or absence. It invites us to reflect on our own desires for connection and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with opening ourselves up to love.

Objects used in the performance include: Paint roller, 19 Crimes Malbec, dried hydrangea, electric screw driver, Ross Mitchell-Anyon ceramic mug, turpentine.

Songs:
David Byrne - A Million Miles Away : (Uh-Oh! 1992)
The Flying Lizards - Money (that’s what I want): (The Flying Lizards - 1979)
The Carpenters - I Need To Be In Love (A Kind Of Hush - 1976)