Photographer Andy Palmer at Suite Gallery

Media Statement
For immediate release
14 October 2009

Photographer Andy Palmer’s upcoming show Belonging & Becoming is tackling the topic of appropriation.

Palmer is taking a bold step – as a photographer – of posing the age old question of the right of the photographer to ‘claim’ something as their own.

His works are photographs of distinctly Maori objects, primarily carvings, in public spaces, which Palmer collected on his travels around the North Island. While his work is a celebration of Maori culture, Palmer is also asking his audience to consider them as part of a wider New Zealand culture too. Asking at what point does public art become the property of the public?

Much of Palmer’s earlier work can be read as an examination of history – his own, and New Zealand’s – occasionally overt, but usually as a subtext within a broader theme. Belonging & Becoming can be seen as an extension of this exploration.

Belonging & Becoming will show at Suite from 21 October until 7 November along with …a poorly remembered childhood by David Boyce.

INVITATION TO EXHIBITION OPENING
David Boyce / Andy Palmer
Being Longing
Opening with David and Andy Wednesday 21 October 5.30-7.30pm
Closes 5pm Saturday 7 November

ENDS

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