INTERVIEW: Local Artist Nick Guilford on 'Ecdysis' Exhibition - Zac Hoffman and Alex Lister - Radio One 91FM

Nick Guilford thinks very carefully about how he approaches his shows, and Ecdysis is no exception. From show features, such as a communal AUX and claymation shortfilm, to the show mechanics, like the art guide which tells the gallery goer to match names to the art, Guilford has taken a community-first approach.

Located in the large Te Whare o Rukutia space on Princes St, Ecdysis somewhat relies on a community approach because the topics it's tackling, such as deteriorating world politics and humanity's death drive for new technology, need people to come together and kōrero.

Filled with Guilford's cubist-esque, woozey, dark paintings and lovecraftian prints from prominent Critic illustrator Daniel van Lith, Ecdysis is a masterful exhibition that prioritises young people's experience, needs and culture in very direct ways.

During this conversation, Guilford touches on how he made the accompanying claymation short film, what his drive is for exploring dark themes in his art, and his love for the community supporting Ecdysis.