Intimate herds: the breeding ?of desire and conformity, 2025 Kim Fifield 1200 × 600mm ?Book leaves, adhesive, varnish (with UVLS), cold wax medium

Layered and decollaged pages from the books ‘The Joy of Sex’ and ‘Dairy Herd Husbandry’. —— This body of work comprises a series of artworks that delve into the nuanced relationship between personal desires and the societal structures that shape them. Exploring the tension between individuality and societal expectations, and the narratives we consume which shape our identities and relationships. By juxtaposing themes of intimacy with those of control and productivity, the series critiques how capitalist frameworks manipulate human connections, reducing complex emotional experiences to mere transactions. Reflecting on how societal norms dictate our roles and behaviours, akin to livestock managed for efficiency and output. The artworks challenge viewers to consider the implications of herd mentality, questioning how much of our desires are sacrificed at the altar of conformity. This collection invites a critical examination of the forces that govern our lives and a reevaluation of what it means to connect in a world driven by capitalist imperatives. ——

Kim Fifield is multidisciplinary artist based in Papamoa Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Having recently completed a Master of Fine Arts (1st Class Hons) at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design (Akl), Kim has exhibited work locally and internationally, been a finalist in the NZ National Contemporary Art Awards and Miles Art Awards. http://www.kimfifield.com