MaeSteal Collective is an Aotearoa-based group of ten diverse artists founded by Copper MaeSteal. From painters, sculptors, digital editors, music producers, and photographers, to graphic designers, fashion designers, and performance artists, they cover a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines. 

MaeSteal Collective creates thought-provoking art and design that pushes boundaries while also upholding ethical and sustainable practices. Their resulting work explores personal identity, destruction, and human perspective, encouraging audiences to be curious.  

This year, MaeSteal will bring audiences a production that encapsulates the queer body in a state of distress and anxiety. They aim to showcase the ‘abnormal’, ‘strange’ and ‘bizarre’, as a means to reclaim the origins of the word ‘queer’ within their designs. Untangling classically gendered silhouettes and business attire, creating each piece ranging from avant-garde distressed wear to creature wear. 

MaeSteal 2023 comprises of:

Mother Copper MaeSteal  / Founder of MaeSteal Collective, Copper MaeSteal is a queer artist, designer, and producer who creates manipulated work like no other. Through pure art, they showcase their concepts of self-identity, perception, and social expectations. With a focus on event design, Copper aims to highlight diversity and authenticity.

Godmother Solari / MaeStealSolari is the house administrator of MaeSteal Collective and has a deep history of theatre and performance art. Being a full-time caregiver for her parent, her artistic expression covers a diverse range of emotions.

Silva MaeSteal / Showcasing her artistic perspective through painting, photography, fashion, and music, Silva is a sustainable fashion designer, with a passion for knitwear and recycled fabrics. Her visions become realities.

Angel MaeSteal / An artist, fashion designer, and creative, Angel believes everyone should feel as though their bodies are works of art. Angel’s designs aim to stimulate self-expression and inner passion. As the founder of KONGCORE, they believe the future will hold self-acceptance instead of insecurity. 

Jarry MaeSteal / From graphics to scenic design, Jarry Dobell, FKA Velvet Crush, delivers creative outcomes with a critical eye and original flair.

Tiger MaeSteal / Tiger is a visualiser, photographer, and videographer with a strong sense of kaitiakitanga and an understanding of the te ao Māori perspective. Tiger creates art and design while highlighting the depths behind sustainability and replenishment for our environment.

Jinkie MaeSteal / A traditional artist, singer, and house historian, Jinkie evokes a style of class and chaos. Jinkie merges folk music and alt-dream pop ballads to voice an honest view of modern culture.

Diva MaeSteal / The youngest of the collective, Diva is a model, singer, makeup artist, and 24/7 diva that serves high glamour and high art. 

Stain MaeSteal / Stain is a music producer, photographer, sound, and visual designer who's been making music since he was seven. Stain uses clothing alongside music as a means of expressing femininity and masculinity.

Clara MaeSteal / Clara is a fashion designer who focuses on sustainable practices and contemporary design. She enjoys experimenting with proportions and incorporating structural elements in her designs to challenge the viewer's perception. Her goal is to shed light on the vulnerability of human existence.

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