Presented by The Audio Foundation and CIRCUIT Artist Film and Video Aotearoa New Zealand, Whakapapa / Algorithms is a collection of multi-media work by Jamie Berry.

Reflecting on past, present and future, Jamie uses algorithms and computer programming to connect spiritual and physical realms, ancestors and descendants, and the natural world. Working within a digital context, Jamie’s works revolve around a set of unique soundscapes generated through a sequencing her DNA chromosome.

Awakening memories of and through sound, the present sounds of genetic and spiritual ancestors create a direct connection to Jamie’s whakapapa, with visual components driven and guided by the narrative of these soundscapes.

Within the immersive audio and moving images of Whakapapa / Algorithms, ocean waves are heard before any images are seen, referring to the way in which sound vibration travels over time, over oceans, changes perceptions and gives homage to our ancestors that travelled to Aotearoa.

Berry aspires to acknowledge her tipuna, papatuanuku, and the present moment by overlaying of visual and sonic elements, a thing upon another, link layers of time and experience overlapping, sowing healthy seeds for the future.

This project was initially developed as commission from CIRCUIT in 2020, as part of a series of screenings and live events exploring the synergy of sound and image in the history of Aotearoa artists film and video, and presented at the Pyramid Club in Wellington as a live event, with the support of Wellington City Council.

Jamie Berry (Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngā Puhi, Multidisciplinary Artist, Aunty)
Jamie Berry is a multidisciplinary artist who creates large scale multimedia artworks that explore Aotearoa histories while reflecting on identity and whakapapa. Originally from Tūranganui-a-kiwa Gisborne and based in Pōneke Wellington, Jamie draws inspiration from both locations. Jamie’s work engages indigenous issues close to home making connections between past, present, and future, Jamie creates narratives through DNA based soundscape, moving image, and installation. Jamie is also a founding and active member of 7558 Collective.

Jamie’s recent work has been presented at Masterworks Gallery (Auckland), Pyramid Club (Wellington), Christchurch Art Gallery (Christchruch), Pātaka Gallery (Wellington), Waikato Museum (Hamilton).

Opens: Friday 19 March, 5.30pm (with refreshments from Liberty Brewing Company & performance by the artist)
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 4pm
Closes: Saturday 10 April