2018
the missionaries explore the powerful relationship between colonisation, nationalism and plants in the context of Aotearoa. In a kind of contrived bouquet garni set against the musty colour palette of the Arts and Crafts movement, these domestic botanic epitaphs engage with the reasons emigrants brought plants with them, why they went to elaborate ends to preserve them on their long journey, and the consequences of their interventions. The works speak to Shelton ongoing exploration of plant narratives and histories, in particular the intersection of these histories with human knowledge systems, notions of home and with colonial hegemony.
