Prickly Jim

Abstract

Within this text, we discuss themes that cover the relationship between our personal visual art collaborations and how they relate to the heavy music scene and culture within Aotearoa. We provide background context to the origins of Prickly Jim, and display examples of the type of work we create. We explore the culture of the ‘moshpit’ in relation to our own personal experiences and the wider correspondence it has with our creative output. The pit becomes a perfect metaphor to describe the dichotomy between the aesthetics of metal and metal’s true heart. On the outside, the pit is choreographed violence, intimidating to the uninitiated. On the inside, there is a profound sense of community and belonging. Yes, we punch and shove each other, but it is in a way that could only be described as endearing.