Mutable (Post Partum), 2025

Mutable (Post Partum) is a focused view of what for me was extended postpartum. From 2012 – 2019 I had my four children and in hindsight was in a constant state of flux. Physical flux as my body shifted between pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding in a dizzying cycle. Mental flux as my identity became all things to others – mother, carer, wife. It was as though I was morphing between fractals of self and unsure of what to settle on – I became mutable. In Mutable (Postpartum) the physical bodies morph in and overlap each other. There are layers of sketch like markings that echo a temporality and passing of time, much like faded pencil sketches on paper. The movement in the painting – caused by the figures being in a state of motion or falling and echoed by the painterly strokes, signifies the constant current of day to day life and the calm that can be felt through surrendering to this motion. As a child my mother often spoke of the ‘Wairua’ a Maori term for a spirit energy-force that pushes you in the direction you need to go. You can choose to go against this force and life will be hard, or you can surrender to it’s motion and although the journey might be unexpected it will flow in a calm and easy way. So in a sense Mutable (Postpartum) shows my own journey with the Wairua from 2012 – 2019.

Sarana Haeata is a Maori-Australian artist based in Western Australia. Her intuitive, expressive work explores themes of movement, surrender, and the emotional landscapes of the female experience. Deeply influenced by womanhood and her role as a mother to four daughters Sarana’s practice is both a reflection of and response to the ever-evolving juggle of life.
She has held several solo exhibitions at Saint Cloche Gallery and Rainbow Studios. Her work has also recently been exhibited internationally through Tappan in Los Angeles. Sarana has collaborated with institutions and clients such as the Gardner Museum, Randi Zuckerberg, The Sofitel Hotel, and was recently featured in Vogue Living.
Through a combination of layered abstraction and sketch-like forms, Sarana’s work captures a sense of transience and emotional depth, offering viewers a quiet space for reflection and acceptance amidst the day to day chaos.