It is reported there is an average of five aggravated robberies in dairies every month*. With the increasing taxes on tobacco, dairies have become a target, with cash and cigarettes the most valuable items stolen. On initially viewing this work by Lauren Lysaght, these flowers might resemble those typically seen for sale outside dairies. However, these are made of coloured bandanas denoting alliances in youth gangs, and which can also be used as face coverings in armed robberies. They could represent the risk associated with operating a dairy – occupying a valued niche in the community, while being vulnerable to violent crime.
* ‘Does the dairy have a future?’ 2018 report published by Retail NZ
- James Hope, Curator of exhibition 'Corner Dairy' Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, 2010

Lauren is a well-established conceptual artist who often uses found objects, or materials associated with popular culture, to make multi-media installations and objects. Her provocative work has always communicated social and political issues.'The Wild Bunch' suggests a gathering of disparate 'fabric wildflowers' made from a signature gangster accessory, the bandanna. Grounded in tin cans, they suggest growing up with the type of contemporary consumerism associated with current gang culture.Lauren has an extensive exhibition record, both in New Zealand and abroad, that spans over thirty years. She has been the recipient of several grants and her work is held in public collections.
- Maree Mills, exhibition catalogue p10 'Putiputi. The Flower in Contemporary New Zealand Art', Hastings City Art Gallery, 10 Jul - 26 Sep 2010