Tell us a bit about you.
My name is Rod Sot, and I’m a visual artist originally from Chile, now based in Wellington. While my day job is in web development, my creative practice with photography and mixed media is what truly drives me. It’s my way of exploring introspection, solitude and life’s complexities. When I’m outside, I love hiking and losing myself in nature or the city streets.
Tell us a bit about your art practice.
About 10 years ago, after graduating from university, I was searching for a deeper sense of purpose. After trying many things, the spark really ignited for me when I witnessed a friend’s profound connection to a specific photograph. That pursuit of connection became my initial quest with photography, which eventually became my primary vehicle for expression.
My practice really evolved a couple of years ago after I did a course on “expanded photography”, pushing me into mixed media and mostly experimenting with other materials and other ways beyond a standalone photograph. I also work with analogue film, and a core part of my process involves experimentation, things like multiple exposures on the same roll, intentionally inviting chaos, or embracing the error or the imperfection.
For me, the process of discovery and the surprises that emerge are often more important than a predetermined outcome, reflecting themes of chaos, introspection, finding beauty in imperfection, and observing ephemeral things.
How and when did you get involved with the show?
I visited the NZ Art Show for the first time last year and I was incredibly inspired by the diversity and energy of the work and artists. Seeing so much creativity in one place was fantastic and it motivated me to apply for the 2025 show myself. I was absolutely thrilled and nervous when I received the acceptance news and invitation to participate as an emerging artist.
What are you working on right now for the show? What does a typical day in the life look like for you between now and the show?
Right now, I’m preparing a mix of work. Some will be photographs from my existing practice that hold personal significance, perhaps exploring street scenes or landscapes with an introspective feel. The other half involves new experimental pieces using collage and mixed media, specifically created for the show. My days leading up to the show are surprisingly calm but very focused, balancing my day work with dedicated creative time in the evenings and weekends. It feels like a focused push to translate personal ideas into something I hope resonates.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s show?
This is the first time that I’m sharing my work with such a large and engaged audience. Having visited last year, I know the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant. It feels like a significant step for me to put my work out there on this scale, and while I’m nervous, I’m mainly excited to be part of it!
