Auck. Photo Fest: Art Steals A Photo Finish

Media Release
27 April 2006

The Auckland Festival of Photography pays tribute to the artists whose exceptional work encourages a broader understanding and appreciation of the visual, emotional and social impact of the ART of photography.

The festival programme showcases excellence in ART with 21 Auckland-wide exhibitions featuring the work of photographers from Norway, France and South Africa; alongside a selection of revered local talent including Ans Westra, Peter Peryer, Darren Glass, Wayne Barrar, Harvey Benge, John McDermott, Clay Bodvin, Ron Fitzwilliam, Ann Shelton, Ellen Smith and Jenny Tomlin.

Changes in the natural landscape play a central role in the work of one of NZ’s most established photographers Wayne Barrar. Barrar continues his artistic exploration of human intervention in the severest of environments in the exhibition MACHINE ROOM, which also offers a selection of striking new images making their first public appearance Milford Galleries during the 2006 festival season. Wayne Barrar’s work is also features in PERPETUAL VERDURE alongside prominent artist’s including Ann Shelton, Peter Peryer and Anne Noble, who share their unique view of the NZ landscape.

A collection of emerging artists draw on nature for their artistic inspiration in a series of festival exhibitions including WILDLIFE, THE BIRDS & THE BEES, THE WALRUS & THE CAMERAMAN and the stunning cinematic images from mixed media artist Thomas Newman Pound in I DREAMT I WAS DREAMING at Whitespace.

The faces of our past offer a fascinating insight into the early identity and history of the NZ Maori in a striking series of images in OUT OF TIME: Maori & The Photographer at John Leech Gallery. This major exhibition of historic iconic photography from a large private collection illustrates of the story of New Zealand photography and a makes a powerful comment on issues of race and exploitation.

The Auckland Festival of Photography runs 2nd to 24th of June. ALL EXHIBITIONS ARE FREE.

Creative Exposure Festival 2006 is supported by Adshel, ASIA NZ Foundation, North Shore City Council, Creative Communities, Community Organisation Grants Scheme, Waitakere City Council, Nikon Camera, NZ Community Trust, Triangle TV, Lion Foundation, Philips, The Trusts, Pub Charity, Auckland City Hobson, Western Bays and The ASB Community Trust.

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