Iconic Kiwi photographer honoured with ‘living museum’

Iconic Kiwi photographer honoured with ‘living museum’

The work of prominent New Zealand photographer Ans Westra will be on display in a new private art space opening in Wellington next month.

Located in a heritage building on Cuba Street, and coordinated by Wellington’s {Suite} Gallery, the space will be exclusively dedicated to celebrating the artist’s illustrious career.

Owner and director of {Suite}, David Alsop, says for nearly 60 years Ans Westra has used her vision as a photographer to capture vivid glimpses of New Zealand life.

“Ans is a brilliant observer whose work has been pivotal in documenting Aotearoa life and landscapes, particularly that of Tangata Whenua. Over time her photos have become a great source of community and national pride.”

Co-leader of the Maori Party Marama Fox, who will speak at the official opening of the space on April 20, says she believes Ans has contributed greatly to New Zealand’s culture and heritage.

“Ans’ strength is an ability to portray our culture as it is, not projecting images as an object for tourism, but for the people in the images.”

Timed with the artist’s 80th birthday, the space allows greater public access to Ans’ photography, with a rotating selection of her work on display.

An online archive of the artist’s images will also be available to browse, thanks to a recent agreement with Alexander Turnbull Library which will result in the digitisation of Ans’ collection.

Visitors can browse through articles, objects from Ans’ darkroom, and more than 200 books featuring her work. The courtyard of the space features eight large murals of Westra images made in and around Wellington, David says.

“A private museum dedicated to one artist is unprecedented in New Zealand, but we feel the beauty and integrity of Ans’ work needs to be appreciated by as many people as possible.”

A selection of Ans Westra black & white and colour prints will be available to purchase online and in the museum.

Located above {Suite} Gallery at 243 Cuba Street, Wellington.

For more information, visit suite.co.nz

ends

© Scoop Media