"MAHIWAGA" (Magic/Spell) is a moving image work featuring Lara Chuo and Cypris Afakasi, exploring self-celebration and self-doubt. Set against Northcote Central’s urban landscape, the piece presents the artists as gods from their indigenous histories, juxtaposing divine figures in a pedestrian setting to challenge conventional notions of vanity, pride, and narcissism.

The work weaves themes of fortune, misfortune, hope, and shame through spoken word and an immersive soundscape that combines classical instrumentation with a ballroom track. The piece culminates in a transformative sequence where Chuo and Afakasi shift from their divine personas to their everyday selves, emphasizing the power of self-celebration and the beauty of embracing one's uniqueness.

Through captivating performances and evocative imagery, "Mahigawa" invites viewers to examine their relationship with self-love, and experience the transcendent beauty of embracing their own divine reflection.

“Mahigawa” (2023)Cypris Afakasi: @cypris.afakasi Lara Chuo: @na.ri.la Darryl Chin: @niu_waveFilmed at Northcote Town Centre

This video artwork is part of the Niu Gold Mountain art series by All My Friends.

Cypris Afakasi: @cypris.afakasi

Lara Chuo: @na.ri.la

Darryl Chin: @niu_wave

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Pantograph Punch: https://www.pantograph-punch.com/posts/the-mysterious-miracle-of-migrants