AO / Artists statement

AO Aotearoa : Rated Adults Only;

In light of continuing gang affiliated crime making media in this country, AO serves as a warning in reflection of these social problems - content suitable for adults only.

Censorship led to TVNZ banning the Series 1/Episode 2 of Ross Kemp On Gangs in 2007, Featuring the Mongrel Mob.

Graphically, using censorship symbology, the colours represent the two major gang presences in NZ being the Mongrel Mob and Black Power. Typographically there is symmetry in the word AOtearOA.

Although Mongrel Mob and Black Power are rival gangs, they are in many ways merely a reflection of each other, striving for the same thing.

Perhaps it could be argued, in a similar way to religious conflict, that they are differentiated merely by variations in symbology.

Matt Moriarty, 2009

AO / Matt Moriarty / 2008

Screenprint on paper.
Single Print, 450 x 450mm, Edition of 25. Triptych 2000 x 450 mm, Edition of 3.

< back