In Too much sushi II, 17 clusters of 12 plastic, fish-shaped soy sauce containers are connected by small sterling silver rings and linked together evenly by fishing swivels to resemble flowers or stars. The clusters are repeated and interconnected by the swivels and more sterling silver jump rings.
Jewellery and adornment have always played important roles in the historical trade networks of Oceania, and Niki Hastings-McFall has adopted the form of the lei in her work because it is a highly portable and valuable symbol of Pacific identity.
Drawing on traditional techniques, Too much sushi II celebrates the combination of multiple cultural influences occurring in urban centres. Her work is a unique blend of traditional Polynesian cultural practice and contemporary materials, formed through an exploration of her personal history.