Tag: PhotoForum

Photos from ‘Recent Auckland Photography’ gallery talk

Our thanks to Barry Myers for sharing his photos from last month’s Recent Auckland Photography talk by Ron Brownson (Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery), which took place at Northart Gallery in Northcote, Auckland. Below is a selection of his images from that day.

It was great to see such a large crowd in attendance to listen as Ron engaged conversations (about their works), with a number of the exhibiting artists. Curated by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, the Recent Auckland Photography exhibition was held at Northart Gallery from 19 May – 12 June 2013 (as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography). Both the exhibition and publication featured a mix of new, unseen, and significant photographs from 12 artists with various 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.

Following the event, there was an opportunity to meet the artists. PhotoForum members also took the opportunity to collect their current subscription copy of  Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography – the publication accompanying the exhibition.

Note: All enquiries about Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography (RRP $59.95) can be directed to PhotoForum by emailing photoforumnz@gmail.com


 Visitors at the Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk at Northart, Auckland – 8 June 2013.

PhotoForum Director Geoffrey H. Short capturing the gallery audience.
PhotoForum Director (and exhibiting artist) Geoffrey H. Short capturing the gallery audience – Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk, 8 June 2013.


Ron Brownson and exhibitor Haruhiko Sameshima in discussion – Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk, 8 June 2013.


Ron Brownson in conversation with exhibiting artist Fiona Amundsen – Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk, 8 June 2013.


Exhibiting photographers (from left): Harvey Benge and Bruce Connew – Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk, 8 June 2013.

Left to right: Ron Brownson, Ian Macdonald, Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling (co-curators)
Ron Brownson in discussion with Ian Macdonald. Alongside are co-curators Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling – Recent Auckland Photography gallery talk, 8 June 2013.

Links:
Barry Myers Photography
Northart Gallery
Auckland Festival of Photography
Auckland Art Gallery

Photographs fuel fiction

Photographs in back issues of PhotoForum magazine recently found a new life providing inspiration for creative writing students.

The opportunity arose when Auckland author Sue Orr wanted a collection of expressive photography to put in front of young aspiring writers at a short fiction workshop at the National Library in Auckland. PhotoForum secretary Jan Young delivered a large bundle of magazines packed with images, which became the taking off point for the young writers. Sue, who is the author of two noted short story collections, reports that the students were captivated by the photographs and it was extremely interesting to discover where the images had led fictionally. She plans to use the work again in future workshops

Review by Mary Macpherson: “Pictures They Want to Make”


Front cover image, Edith Amituanai, Khin Nu and Rawa From Up the Street (from the series La Fine Del Mondo) 2010

Reality unchained

The thump of a courier package at the French doors heralded my keenly awaited copy of Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography. It’s a handsome landscape hardback published by PhotoForum Inc, Auckland,  that features of the work of 12 photographers, either from or with a connection to the Auckland (New Zealand) region.

In recent years there’s been a small flood of New Zealand photographic monographs, either wrapped around a project, or providing an overview of an artist’s work. It’s been awhile since the last compilation – think Into the Light, A History of New Zealand Photography by David Eggleton (Craig Potton Publishing 2006), orContemporary New Zealand Photographers (Mountain View Publishing 2005).

Books featuring collections of photographers – grouped under a heading implying a round up of the latest new voices, or an overview of world photographic history – often suffer from snippet syndrome. There might be generous selection of artists, but if each person only has one or two pictures to support a statement, a publication covering 20 – 50 photographers can become a series of easily forgotten glimpses, because there’s simply not enough work from each artist to provide depth or resonance.

Happily, Pictures They Want to Make, edited by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, avoids this trap. Each artist is given a one page introduction, a sketch of what’s interesting in their practice, similar to the wall panel that would introduce work in a gallery, followed by around 10 full page pictures. The work is carefully selected, either covering different periods in one artist’s career, or providing a coherent view of recent projects. It’s possible, therefore, to get a real sense of what each individual photographer is about, and the strengths and orientation of their work.

The book also has a central direction governing the inclusion of the individual photographers, so there’s an overall coherence – rather like a well curated exhibition. The underlying drive is to address the perception that a photograph which begins with an image taken from reality is merely a document of what’s in the image.  The editors are keen to remind us that strategies and deliberate intention underpin the work, and it takes sophisticated viewing to understand what’s going on – in much the same way as any contemporary artwork.

This is not a new battle for photography. The introductory essay by Leo Rubinfien in the wonderful monster Garry Winogrand monograph I’m currently reading, notes how in the 1960s Tod Papageorge challenged curator John Szarkowski’s use of the word document – “To use it, even innocently, he argued, was to say that photographs were dumb transcriptions of the real – to say they were not art.” In New Zealand it seems this point needs to be made again and again.

The work itself ranges from projects which subvert viewer expectations, series, like the one from Edith Amituanai, that draws on snapshot and portrait traditions to mine cultural territory, and work from Chris Corson-Scott who uses the view camera to create large landscapes of the quotidian, but where the viewer uncovers resonant information and so keeps returning to a complex image (a similar strategy to American large format colour work – but with a distinct Auckland tang). The 12 series might not challenge the boundaries of what’s acceptable, but works are sophisticated, culturally engaged and contemporary.  Whatever your preferences there’s enough variety among the 12 photographers to keep a reader returning to the images.

The book was supported Nikon New Zealand, Progear, Vista Entertainment Solutions and the Wallace Arts Trust (with Creative New Zealand or a public gallery missing from the funding line up). But as a publication driven by people who understand the art in photography, and how to put together a photography book, it’s emerged as fresh and relevant.

Even allowing for my bias as PhotoForum member, I highly recommend this book which at a is available from selected bookshops in Auckland (e.g. Auckland Art Gallery, Unity Books, TimeOut, Dear Reader, The BookLover) or is part of the member benefits package of joining PhotoForum.

(RRP NZ $59.95)

Source:
Review compiled 22/06/2013
Note: Further reviews and information relating to this publication can be found here.

Talk by Ron Brownson on “Recent Auckland Photography”

This Saturday (8th June) at 3pm, Ron Brownson (Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery), will be giving a gallery talk at Northart, on their current exhibition Recent Auckland Photography. Exhibition curators Edward Hanfling and Chris Corson-Scott will join the discussion, followed by an informal “meet the artists” session. Refreshments will be served, refer poster below for full details.

Copies of the accompanying publication Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography will also be available. If you are interested in this publication (or learning more about PhotoForum), do feel welcome to chat with us. Current members also have the opportunity to pick up their subscription copies at the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Publication: ‘Pictures They Want to Make – Auckland Recent Photography’


“Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography” by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, Published by PhotoForum Inc., Auckland. ©PhotoForum Inc.

Here at PhotoForum we are very excited about our new major publication “Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography” by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, with photographs by 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.

Advance copies have now arrived and we are thrilled with the quality of the book. At 27.5 x 30.5cm, 176 pages, hardbound with over 100 colour plates, it is a truly substantial tome. A limited number will be available to view and purchase at Northart gallery, where the associated exhibition “Recent Auckland Photography” is currently on show until 12 June 2013. This publication will be available in selected bookshops and directly from PhotoForum (email photoforumnz@gmail.com) from mid June.

A huge thank-you to ProGear, Nikon New Zealand, Vista Entertainment Solutions and the Wallace Arts Trust for their generous support of this publication.


pgs 94 & 95 – Ngahuia Harrison

pgs 114 & 115 –  Derek Henderson

pgs 128 & 129 – Ian Macdonald

pgs 76 & 77 – Bruce Connew

Note: Reviews and information relating to this publication can be found here.

Opening night: ‘Recent Auckland Photography’ exhibition & book preview

It was great to see such a large crowd in attendance last Sunday night (19th May 2013) for the exhibition opening  of Recent Auckland Photography, at Northart Gallery.  Below is a selection of photos from that evening.

Curated by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, the exhibition, (in association with the Auckland Festival of Photography) runs until 12 June 2013. Featured artists are: 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.

We hope many of you will join us at Northart on Saturday June 8 (from 3pm), for the talk by Ron Brownson with Edward Hanfling, followed by an informal “Meet the artists” session.

Also accompanying the exhibition, is the book  Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography by Chris Corson-Scott and Edward Hanfling, and published by PhotoForum. A very limited quantity of advance copies have been made available for viewing or purchase at Northart Gallery. The remaining stock  is due mid-June. Enquiries regarding this publication can be emailed to photoforumnz@gmail.com.

Our thanks to Nikon New Zealand, Progear Professional Photographics, Vista Entertainment Solutions and The James Wallace Arts Trust for their generous support towards making this publication possible.

Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography also part of PhotoForum’s current subscription offering to members. It’s a great way to receive this substantial (27.5 x 30.5cm, 176 pages, 100 colour plates, hardcover) publication while also supporting the promotion of NZ photography. To find out more about PhotoForum, visit our website at www.photoforum-nz.org.



Ron Brownson (Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery) speaking at the opening of the exhibition “Recent Auckland Photography” at Northart Gallery, 19 May 2013.

PhotoForum director Geoffrey H. Short, speaking about the accompanying publication
Pictures They Want to Make – Recent Auckland Photography. Exhibition opening of
“Recent Auckland Photography” at Northart Gallery, 19 May 2013.

Co-curators Chris Corson Scott (far left), and Edward Hanfling (centre) with exhibiting artist Fiona Amundsen. Exhibition opening of “Recent Auckland Photography” at Northart Gallery, 19 May 2013.

John B. Turner discusses Ian Macdonald’s work with sculptor John Radford. Exhibition opening of “Recent Auckland Photography” at Northart Gallery, 19 May 2013.

Exhibiting artist Ian Macdonald (centre) in conversation with gallery visitors. Exhibition opening “Recent Auckland Photography” at Northart Gallery, 19 May 2013.


Northart: Recent Auckland Photography – exhibition & publication

Note – Pictures They Want to Make: Recent Auckland Photography has a RRP of $59.95.  Published by PhotoForum, it is also part of our subscription offer for  this current membership year. With the standard subscription rate being $65.00 it’s a great opportunity to receive the publication (along with other benefits), while also supporting PhotoForum’s broader promotion of New Zealand photography. All enquiries can be emailed to photoforumnz@gmail.com

Update: Check out these recent articles about the exhibition & publication: Harvey Benge’s blog & D-Photo’s interview with Chris Corson-Scott.

Links:
Northart Gallery
Auckland Festival of Photography
PhotoForum
Creative New Zealand

PhotoForum’s article in D-Photo Magazine

If you haven’t already spotted our article in the current Dec/Jan 2013 issue of D-Photo, below is a pdf version (745k) you can download to view. Our thanks to editor Adrian Hatwell for this opportunity.

PhotoForum Pro-View article in D-Photo Issue 51

By the way, the image used in the article shows  Auckland based photographer Wayne Wilson-Wong discussing his work  (as part of the  Moment and Eternity – a New Zealand View group show), at the 2011 Pingyao International Photography Festival in China.

Related link:
D-Photo
www.dphoto.co.nz

Auckland – Photography Workshop by PETER BLACK & James Gilberd

PETER BLACK & James Gilberd Photography Workshop – AUCKLAND

Getting inspiration: developing a body of work

Hosted by PhotoForum NZ, this special photography workshop with Documentary Photographer Peter Black & Photospace Gallery Director James Gilberd, runs over the weekend of 3rd-4th Nov. 2012 in Parnell, Auckland.

The aim of this workshop is to learn how to produce a body of work that is capable of being exhibited or made into a book, working in black & white or in colour. The proposed schedule for this workshop can be viewed HERE

Topics include:

  • Exhibiting – approaching & working with a gallery, developing a project, artist statements, marketing & publicity, editioning prints, pricing works
  • The Print –  printing for exhibition, quality, presentation, signing works, hanging an exhibition
  • The Photographic Book – photo book production, processes of design, editing, sequencing etc

This workshop will appeal to photographers who photograph the real world including people, buildings and landscape (rather than studio work). Time will be spent discussing your individual work, both past and present. The main aim is to gain inspiration.

The workshop is limited to twelve people, so one-to-one attention can be given. A big part of the benefit of such a workshop is being involved with a small group of like-minded photographers; the energy and focus that it brings, and the added social benefits.

The cost of this two day workshop is $460 (a deposit of $100  is required to reserve your place). BOOK EARLY as places are strictly limited.

All bookings and enquiries to  Jan Young of PhotoForum, email: photoforumnz@gmail.com or phone (09) 8118959

Presenter info:

Peter Black’s photographs have been recognised in significant public exhibitions and publications for over thirty years. He was the first New Zealand photographer to have a solo show at the National Art Gallery – Fifty Photographs, 1980. His work is in most major public collections in New Zealand and many significant private collections. For many decades Peter developed his own black and white film and made his own silver gelatin prints. Since 2005, he has been working exclusively in colour and printing his own archival pigment prints. His new book I loved you the moment I saw you (Victoria Unity Press, 2011) is a series of 82 colour photos shot (mostly) in Wellington in 2009.

James Gilberd opened Photospace Gallery, Wellington, in 1998 and has been a professional photographer since the early 1990s. He has a degree in photography from Victoria University, 1997 and has been actively photographing, teaching photography, curating exhibitions and running the gallery over several decades. In 2008, he edited and co-published the book Fiat Lux – 51 photographs by Andrew Ross (Photospace & VUP).

Related links:

Peter Black: www.peterblackphotos.com

Photospace Gallery: www.photospace.co.nz

PhotoForum NZ: www.photoforum-nz.org

PhotoForum’s new membership year is here!

PhotoForum’s new membership year (2012/13) is now well and truly upon us, so it’s time to let you know what we have coming up.

We already have  two confirmed publications, as detailed below. Both titles will be distributed from mid June (as a combined mail-out),  to current paid up members. The publications coincide with exhibitions by these artists, as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography 2012. For those of you in Auckland over the festival month, we hope you find time to get along to both of these outstanding exhibitions.

Publications for members this year are:

  • MoMento issue 11 Norm & Noeleen Photographs by Bernie Harfleet & Donna Sarten.
  • Old New World by Mary Macpherson. A substantial book in content, quality & size. RRP $NZ50.
  • MoMento issue 12, topic to be confirmed. Due late 2012/early 2013
Membership fees are: New Zealand Full $NZ65.00, Concession (student/unwaged) $NZ45.00, Australia $NZ75.00, International $NZ95.00. You can find further details including payment options HERE

We encourage you to consider joining or renewing your subscription with PhotoForum to receive these superb publications and other membership benefits. Through your support, we are able to continue our ongoing promotion of New Zealand photography.

PhotoForum Inc. is a non-profit society dedicated to the promotion of photography as a means of communication and expression.