Te Wai abacus

Te Wai abacus, 2024 Cedar, Stainless Steel, Powder coating, Oil, Enamel, Marine Varnish 1650 x 1200 x 100mm Wanda Gillespie's ongoing exploration of the abacus began with an interest in the "divine mathematics" found in nature. Over time, these works have evolved into reflections on systems of value, environmental fragility, and the structures that shape how we measure progress. In Te Wai Abacus, flowing graphic forms reference waterways throughout Aotearoa, evoking both movement and vulnerability. The work considers the environmental consequences of perpetual-growth economies, particularly the degradation of rivers and other bodies of water. The sculpture's triangular frame carries layered associations, from mountain summit markers to the roofline of a wharenui. These references ground the work in ideas of geography, belonging, and home, while connecting the natural and cultural landscapes of Aotearoa. Playful and interactive, Te Wai Abacus invites visitors to move the beads and engage physically with the sculpture. As viewers look through the work toward the surrounding landscape, the environment itself becomes part of the artwork, encouraging reflection on the relationship between people, place, and natural systems. "Through these abacus works I'm interested in ideas of natural systems, value, and the environmental impacts of the perpetual-growth economies we are part of." — Wanda Gillespie