Record numbers for 2007 Ak Festival of Photography

Record numbers for 2007 Auckland Festival of Photography

Photography enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice when the 4th annual Auckland Festival of Photography opens from June 1 until June 24.

A record number of exhibitions will be on offer at this year’s festival.

The complete Creative Exposure programme announced today (April 17) features a total of 46 exhibitions and 11 events at venues all over the Auckland region.

Marti Friedlander.

This year’s festival will showcase the work of more than 250 individual photographers including many emerging talents and some of New Zealand’s most recognised photo artists.

Nine year old Willow Harfleet is the youngest photographer in this year’s festival. Here is her photograph of Jim, part of her Locals collection of photos of people who live or work in the Whenuapai area. Showing at Hobsonville Church June 7, 8, 9 and Massey Library June 11-24.

The youngest exhibitor this year is 9 year’s old Willow Harfleet, a West Auckland youngster with a passion for photographing local characters.

Last year’s festival attracted more than 24,000 people, establishing the event as one of the fastest growing in the country. This year’s signature event – the eagerly awaited OLYMPUS Auckland Photo Day – will be on June 9. Other festival highlights will include:

Film maker Roger Donaldson.

- “All Dogs Shot.” Film maker Roger Donaldson’s first public exhibition of photographs, at Lopdell House in Titirangi. Donaldson is best known for landmark movies including Sleeping Dogs, Smash Palace and The World’s Fastest Indian.” The exhibition features a stunning collection of black and white photographs shot in New Zealand and around the world.

- "Another View: A Selection of 20th century International Photographs from the Seresin Family Collection." Presented by the Auckland Museum, the collection includes work by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andre Kertesz, Bill Brandt and Man Ray.

- “Moving Still” at Gus Fisher Gallery, featuring a group of New Zealand’s premiere photographers. Exhibitors include Peter Black, Gary Blackman, Rhondda Bosworth, Ben Cauchi, Darren Glass, Gavin Hipkins, Anne Noble, Max Oettli and Natalie Robertson and Ann Shelton.

The largest photo to feature at this year’s festival will take pride of place on a downtown billboard. Photographers have until the end of April to submit their entry for the “Billboard on Fanshawe Street” competition.

Entries for the billboard can be old or new but they must be from the Auckland region. Images can be submitted on the Auckland Photo Blog – www.photographyfestival.org.nz/photo-blog/index.cfm

Olympus Auckland Photo Day

Olympus Auckland Photo Day again promises to be a major highlight of this year’s festival.

On June 9, photographers will have 24 hours to capture something special – a photo reflecting a unique moment in the life of Auckland. Anyone with a camera can take part, as long as they are in Auckland on the day.

First prize this year is an Olympus E-410 D-SLR with twin lens kit, valued at $1899. Due for launch in May 2007, the E-410 is the world smallest digital SLR camera. Full entry details are on the festival website.

Last year’s winning photo (left) was Dressed Up Freeway by Philip Freeman.

The 30 finalists from 2006 will be on show at the Aotea Centre from June 1 until June 30.

The Festival at a Glance

- The largest visual arts festival in the Auckland region.

- Three weeks of events and exhibitions, free to the public.

- 46 exhibitions and 11 events at galleries and museums around Auckland.

- More than 250 individual photographers.

- Images from enthusiasts, students, professionals and some of New Zealand’s finest photo artists.

- Four distinct themes: CULTURE, IDENTITY, ART and PARTICIPATION.

- Olympus Auckland Photo Day – capturing a day in the life of Auckland. June 9.

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished photographers has been chosen as the first patron of the Auckland Festival of Photography.

Acclaimed photographic artist Marti Friedlander has been involved in photography for more than 50 years. Many of Marti’s New Zealand images have achieved iconic status, both in this country and overseas. Her work has also been published in several books.

Marti says she’s honoured to be festival patron. She’s sure the festival will generate plenty of excitement about photography as a vehicle for expanding our imagination.

“Photography is a very democratic medium,” she says.

“Thanks to the arrival of digital photography, the possibilities for new and innovative work are endless.

“It is remarkable to think cameras are now a routine part of everyday tools like the mobile phone. This opens a whole new world for young people in particular.

“The festival is also an ideal platform for traditional film photography. New Zealanders have always shown great skill and dedication in film photography. This format will always command a significant following”.

Marti says the annual Auckland Festival of Photography continues to play a vital role raising interest and awareness in photography in this country.

“There is still a very cautious approach to photography as an art form in New Zealand,” she says.

“Other countries tend to celebrate their leading photographers much more than we do. But things will improve when photographers here are encouraged to exhibit and publish their work.

“The festival itself is a wonderful reflection of the huge interest in photography in this country. As Mark Twain once said: ‘You cannot depend on your eyes when you imagination is out of focus.’”

Local talent and local focus will be a major feature of this year’s Auckland Festival of Photography when it launches on June 1. Festival organisers have today (April 17) announced the full programme for this year’s event. The three weeks of free exhibitions and events will feature local talent from all corners of the Auckland region.

Festival highlights will include:

West Auckland

Film maker Roger Donaldson is best known for landmark movies like Smash Palace and The World’s Fastest Indian. All Dogs Shot is a photography exhibition of stunning black and white images from New Zealand and around the world. Showing at Lopdell House in Titirangi, 14 April – 10 June.

Nine year old Willow Harfleet is the youngest photographer in this year’s festival. Locals is a collection of photos of people who live or work in the Whenuapai area. Showing at Hobsonville Church June 7, 8, 9 and Massey Library June 11-24.

Te Atatu 2 features the work of Tim Mackrell and John B Turner. Both residents of Te Atatu Peninsula, they’ve been independently photographing aspects of life in the area. Tim concentrates on new housing and commercial developments. John’s focus is more on the local people. Showing at Corban Estate Art Centre, May 25 – July 1

Waitakere Library and Information Services will be running a series of workshops and events. During May, library members will be encouraged to submit their unusual photos of Waitakere City. The ten winning photos will be displayed in all of the libraries. During June, there’ll be a giant photographic treasure hunt. Check www.waitakere.govt.nz

Summer On The Rocks. A photographic celebration of the wonders and diversity of summer on the West Coast as seen through the lens of enthusiastic local amateur and professional photographers. A wide range of subjects; all of them stimulating and thought-provoking. The exhibition includes a peek at beach culture at Piha. Showing at the West Coast Gallery May 26 – June 17. North Shore

Very un-Shore. Participants were asked to challenge stereotypes of the North Shore with images exposing the unfamiliar or unexpected. This exhibition features fifteen photographers from secondary schools as well as established and well known photographers. Showing at The Depot, 2 June – 14 June.

North Shore Photographic Society. This exhibition features a stunning selection of photographic images submitted by over 100 members. Images from a number of noted Auckland photographers will be on display. Showing at the Lake House Arts Centre, 16 June – 24 June.

Stepping Back In Time. The North Shore Libraries festival exhibition this year features historic views of guided walks around Takapuna, Northcote and Devonport sourced from the Photographic Collections of these three libraries. Showing in the Takapuna and Devonport Libraries June 1 – June 24

In The Eye of the Beholder. Young photographers share their take on the ordinary things of life. The children will learn how pin hold cameras work and how to decide on subject matter and composition. Youngsters will then select works for exhibition. Showing at Northart Community Arts Centre. June 2 – June 20.

South Auckland

“Manukau flight path” is a remarkable outdoor display of aerial photography. The exhibition shows a birds eye view on the way to Auckland International Airport which sees dozens of planes a day flying over the central suburbs and centre of Manukau City. Showing at Manukau Square, 1 June – 24 June.

www.photographyfestival.org.nz

Creative Exposure Festival 2007 is supported by ASIA NZ Foundation, Waitakere City Council, Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, North Shore City Council, SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust, Olympus, Lion Foundation, Adshel, Britomart, SKYCITY, NZ Internet Services, NZ Post, Hobson Community Board, COGS, Creative Communities, Heart of The City, Auckland International Airport, Triangle TV and significant support from The ASB Community Trust.

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