New gallery and book launch for leading NZ photographer

New gallery and book launch for leading New Zealand photographer

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated landscape photographers, Andris Apse, is opening a new gallery in Franz Josef and officially launching his new book, Spirit of the South, simultaneously.

The book launch and gallery opening will take place in Apse’s new gallery, at the Oasis Hotel in Franz Josef, on Friday 5 December at 5pm. The gallery opening and book launch will be officiated by Lou Sanson, Director-General, Department of Conservation.

Sanson says, "I am deeply honoured to be launching Andris Apse’s new book. Andris is at the absolute pinnacle of photography of New Zealand's nature. His images and stories have inspired so many New Zealanders and international visitors alike, to treasure this very special place among the last discovered places on earth. The photographs do much to instil real pride in us as a nation, to live in such a special part of the world where, in many places, nature is still in charge."

Apse’s new book, Spirit of the South (RRP: $90.00), was published by Penguin Group NZ in November and has since been heralded by the New Zealand Listener as one of the ‘Best Books of 2014.’ Spirit of the South features nearly 200 photographs, and showcases many of Apse’s most recent images, including his personal favourites. Apse’s photographic journey is enhanced by the words of four prominent New Zealanders – Alison Ballance, Anton Oliver, Fiona Farrell and Kennedy Warne – all of whom are recognised for their active engagement in conserving our natural heritage.

Apse’s new gallery in Franz Josef showcases work from his more than 30-year career, photographing landscapes in New Zealand and overseas. Over the past few years, exhibitions of Apse’s work have been held in numerous South Island galleries, including the CSA Gallery in Christchurch, The Otago Museum in Dunedin and the Marlborough Art Gallery in Blenheim.

Apse says, “Having my work successfully exhibited in some of the South Island’s most prestigious galleries was a privilege. It was also a way of ‘testing the water’ regarding public acceptance of photographs as display objects in peoples’ homes. Happily, they seemed to be amenable to that idea.”

Now, with the opening of a new gallery – Apse opened a small gallery in Okarito three years ago – there is a permanent home for his photographic work, including limited edition prints and published books. Apse specialises in capturing high-quality panoramic photographs, a number of which have received awards and international recognition.

Andris Apse is also acknowledged as one of the finest wilderness photographers in the world. His work has been reproduced in, among others, the New York Times, National Geographic, New Zealand Geographic, Time and Newsweek. Apse has also published an array of books, including the phenomenally successful New Zealand Landscapes, which has sold more than 150,000 copies, and Pounamu: The Jade of New Zealand (with Russell Beck and Maika Mason), which was shortlisted in the Illustrated Non-fiction category of the 2011 New Zealand Post Book Awards. In 2010, Apse was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). For further information please visit: www.andrisapse.com, http://www.penguin.co.nz/products/9780143571865/spirit-south.

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