Photographer turns camera on Nelson/Marlborough

Award winning photographer turns his camera on Nelson/Marlborough

The huge commercial and critical success of last year’s photography book Central by Arno Gasteiger is set to be repeated this year with the November launch exhibition of Nelson Marlborough.

After his win of the Illustrative Category at the 2004 Montana awards, German born Gasteiger has turned his lens on the sun kissed top of the South Island, the Nelson/Marlborough region.

The result is a stunning photographic journey that captures the contrasts of the area: between the exciting seascapes of Kaikoura and the soulful drama of Farewell Spit are natural treasures offering endless contrast and variety.

“I was thrilled to photograph the region, as the area between Kaikoura and Golden Bay varies enormously and contains some of the most impressive landscapes in New Zealand,” he says.

With his talent for capturing extraordinary light, Gasteiger evokes the spirit of Nelson Marlborough and all of its jewels - sheltered bays, seas warmed by hours of sunshine, charming small towns crammed with cafes, and art.

Many trips were made throughout the year to complete what was already a strong body of work from Gasteiger’s many years working in the region.

“I really enjoyed trying to capture Golden Bay in my photographs, especially the Western end around the Farewell Spit area,” he says.

“I was thrilled to dedicate the book to the fortunate inhabitants of this special region.”

Joy Cowley, celebrated New Zealand writer for children and adults, takes the reader on a lyrical journey through a region she knows and loves in a delightful introduction to this book – an essential fixture for coffee tables throughout the country.

“I felt very honoured that Joy agreed to write the wonderful forward for Nelson Marlborough,” says Gasteiger.

21 exclusive prints of Gasteiger’s photographs from the region will be on exhibited and available for sale for one night only at the launch of Nelson Marlborough to be held at the Reflections Art Gallery, WOW Museum in Nelson on November 5th.

Arno’s next project is a closely guarded secret, but for while at least he is content to bask in the glow of his Montana win.

“To win took me completely by surprise,” he laughs.

“But it is always reassuring to be recognised for ones work and it gave me a lot of energy to keep following my dreams.”

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