The Auckland Festival of Photography kicks off on May 30 and runs until June 21. With three weeks of events and exhibitions across more than 75 venues, there is no way we can touch on everything that is happening - but below are some brief details of some of the exhibitions, images and events that have caught our attention. For more details about what's on and where, go to the Auckland Festival of Photography website.
On Saturday 8 June participants are invited to capture and submit images that reflect their Auckland. Nikon are offering three very fine cameras as first, second and third prizes so it's well worth having a go. The prizes can be seen here and all the fine print is here.
Talking Culture: Portfolio reviews
We like the sound of this. Have your photographic portfolio appraised by four leading experts in their field. On June 8 one-on-one sessions are available to discuss your photography with Dieneke Jansen (photographer & senior lecturer at AUT) Harvey Benge (curator, writer and photographer) Marie Shannon (photographer) and Ron Brownson (senior curator of NZ & Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery). Bookings essential. More details here.
A two day symposium at Auckland Art Gallery on June 1 & 2, billed as a response to the Christchurch earthquakes. A group of local and international photographers and artists will discuss how they respond personally, artistically and photographically to natural disasters. The participants are Kit Wise, Fofoga Setoga Tuala, Michel Varisco, Andrew Quilty, Allan McDonald, Richard Mahoney and Giles Crook.
Above: two images in the aftermath of the Samoan tsunami by Fofoga Setoga Tuala.
Above: Cyclone Yasi. Image by Andrew Quilty.
Above: the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Image by Michel Varisco.
Historic and contemporary photographic portraits of well-known and emerging New Zealand artists, taken mostly in their studios. There is moody black and white (Colin McCahon, Milan Mrkusich and Pat Hanly from the 1960s), action sequences of works in progress (Max Gimblett), and some vibrant colour (Jenny Doleziel and Sara Hughes). From June 4 until July 28, at the The Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre.
Above: Ralph Hotere. Image by Gil Hanly.
An exhibition featuring photographs from twelve artists with connections to the Auckland region: Mark Adams, Edith Amituanai, Fiona Amundsen, Harvey Benge, Bruce Connew, Chris Corson-Scott, Ngahuia Harrison, Derek Henderson, Ian Macdonald, Haruhiko Sameshima Geoffrey H. Short and Talia Smith. From 20 May until 12 June, at the NorthArt Gallery, Norman King Square (Opposite the Northcote library) Ernie Mays Street, Northcote Shopping Centre.
Above: Cook Strait. Image by Haruhiko Sameshima.
Nga Puna Waihanga: John Miller and Gil Hanly
A retrospective photographic look back at Nga Puna Waihanga, the organisation for Maori writers and artists, marking forty years since the first hui in 1973. John Miller and Gil Hanly present fifty images documenting some of the Nga Puna Waihanga story. From May 17 until June 16, at the Nathan Homestead Gallery, on the first floor of the Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Rd, Manurewa.
Above: Tukaki wharenui, Te Kaha-nui-a-tiki marae. Te Kaha. June 1973
Local kuia Kiritahanga Poihipi and Hone Tuwhare outside the Tukaki wharenui. Image by John Miller.
Two contemporary photographers, Paul Batt from Australia and Fernando Montiel Klint from Mexico, present an exhibition documenting contemporary China at a point of upheaval. From June 5 until June 21 at the Hum Salon, 123 Grafton Road, Grafton.
Above: China image by Paul Batt.
Walking in the City: Allan McDonald
Allan McDonald is concerned for our architectural heritage and the future of our Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Walking in the City continues his photographic exploration of New Zealand urban areas, and documents some of the interesting signs of life that are found on the margins of our towns and cities. From 23 May until 15 June, at the Anna Miles Gallery, 47 High St (Suite 4J - take the passage alongside Tatty's to the lift and lift to 4th Floor).
Above: Willis Street, Wellington 2012. Image by Allan McDonald.
Untouched as Unknown: Jae Hoon Lee
Seamless photographic landscapes built up from individual images, taken in Antarctica and Nepal. From 17 May to 16 June, at the Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson.
Above: Image by Jae Hoon Lee, 2012. Courtesy of Starkwhite Gallery.