Contemporary jeweller Jason Hall investigates the cultural tension of being Pakeha in New Zealand today. As Deborah Crowe explains, "Hall's jewellery contains trick questions about his identity. His framework is the uneasy cultural relationship between Maori and Pakeha and specifically the uneasy history of appropriation by Pakeha of Maori symbols."

Into this strong conceptual approach, Hall brings a respect for jewellery history and specialised techniques. Wishing to remain true to the jewellery tradition of making beautiful, functional objects to be worn draws the wearer into the equation, as they then participate in Hall's bicultural statement or challenge.

Of Hall's recent 'Ornament for the Paakehaa' exhibition, Damian Skinner writes, "Jason Hall's jewellery operates around a smart discovery, which, plainly stated, is that the things which we have in common are also the things which keep us apart. This idea was first realised in The Gate Between series of 2002, in which the kowhaiwhai-like wrought iron patterns of gates throughout suburban Aotearoa became sterling silver brooches coated with house paint. That which we have in common - such as a scrolling, curvilinear design - is that which keeps us apart, because twenty years of debate has made it clear that Paakehaa can't use Maaori art without controversy. This isn't a sign of a shared visual heritage... Hall's jewellery isn't easy, but it is important, tackling the fundamental denial - of history, and of responsibility - that currently exists at the heart of Paakehaa identity. These are real ornaments for the Paakehaa, but they are never ornamental."

Solo Exhibitions

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2004	'Ornament for the Paakehaa', G2 FHE Galleries, Auckland
2002	'The Gate Between', Lopdell House, Titirangi, Auckland
2001	Fingers, Auckland

Group Exhibitions

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2004	'From a Different Landscape', Melbourne, Australia 'Boys Toys', Sydney, Australia
2002	'The Changing Landscape', Mahara Gallery, Wellington 'Anonevent', Fingers, Auckland
2001	'Grammar, Subjects and Objects: 4th New Zealand Jewellery Biennial', Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt, toured nationally 'The Bright Paradise Souvenir Co. Exhibition', Fingers, Auckland
2000	'Pin Up', Masterworks Gallery, Auckland
1999	'925: Fingers 25th Anniversary', Fingers, Auckland 'Celebrating the End of the Millenium', Masterworks, Auckland
1998	'Turangawaewae: 3rd New Zealand Jewellery Biennial', Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt, toured nationally 'Piece on Earth', Lure, Dunedin

Awards and Grants

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2003	Creative New Zealand New Works Grant
2001	Creative New Zealand Travel Grant

Publications

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2003	'The Gate Between'