'Pairidaēza, paradise is a walled garden' is an audio-visual activation of the Botanical gardens by still- and moving- image-based visual artist, poet and arts writer Jo Bragg (he/they, Ngāti Porou). Inspired by the writing of Janet Frame, Margaret Mahy and Meryl Streep reading the 'Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams (1985). 'Pairidaēza' is a fairytale, a love story to seasons change, a poetic-fiction and guided tour told from the perspective of the garden and its inhabitants.

Born and based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Jo Bragg (Ngāti Porou) is a still- and moving- image-based visual artist, poet and arts writer. A co-founder of the artist-run initiative and gallery Meanwhile, his practice is informed by a Master of Fine Arts degree with a Major in Gender and Transfeminist Theory from Monash University.

Bragg’s photographic works feature in the collections of both the Wellington City Council and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu. 'Frisk', Bragg's first collection of poetry will be published and released by Āporo Press in August of this year