Shooting the extinct to preserve the endangered

Shooting the extinct to preserve the endangered

When the names Shelton Woolright, Otis Frizzell, Flox (Hayley King), Askew One and Dean Sacred are used in one sentence, you know it’s going to be good. Although not the next celebrity charity single (sorry folks), it does involve charity elements and will prove to be just as important a message.

The upcoming exhibition Lonesome Beast Native presented by Moa Brewing Co. is a continuation from the highly acclaimed 2014 creative collaboration and photographic series ‘Lonesome Beast’ between Shelton Woolright and Dean Sacred, and this time round has added a few more popular local names to the mix.

The limited number of pieces (each hand numbered, signed and wax stamped on archival paper) will be on display in the iconic Old Elephant House at The Auckland Zoo between February 3rd and 26th, open to the public with viewing times adopting The Auckland Zoo’s regular opening hours.

The exhibition features 15 prints of Woolright’s photography, each customised with unique layers by one of the partner artists and for sale from $180 in sizes ranging from A3 to A0. Ten per cent of sales from all prints will go towards The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund, supporting conservation efforts in the wild throughout New Zealand and overseas.

To further support the efforts of The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund and to tie into the Lonesome Beast Native exhibition, naming-rights sponsor Moa Brewing Co. will be wrapping 15 of its Moa Methode Pilsner Magnum brews with the lead Moa image from the exhibit and contributing all proceeds of its sales to the Conservation Fund.

Woolright, the mastermind behind the exhibition, drummer for both I Am Giant and Blindspott and recent judge on New Zealand’s 2015 X Factor show, had a desire to expand his previous workings and collaborate with some of New Zealand’s leaders of the urban art world.

“I have sheer admiration for each of their works and although we’re all very different artists, I believe we share a common ground in our inspiration – popular culture,” says Woolright in reference to the artists joining him for the Native photographic series.

Woolright says the new Native exhibit aims to create awareness around the reality of extinction of New Zealand’s endangered native birds and educate those who may otherwise be unaware of the importance of conservation.

Hayley King (Flox) says of the upcoming exhibit that “a trademark of my work incorporates native elements of New Zealand including birds, ferns and flowers so I was thrilled to be asked to collaborate on a series that essentially gives back to my craft”.

Peter Fraser, Conservation Fund Programmes Coordinator for The Auckland Zoo, also thinks it’s fitting that the photographic series supports existing endangered wildlife by highlighting the beauty of the extinct.

“These were beautiful animals that unfortunately couldn’t be saved. The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund gives a chance to the native wildlife we can help preserve, so we’re thankful Shelton and the others are helping raise awareness and funds for this great cause,” says Fraser.

Woolright was given access to the native taxidermy vaults at the Auckland Museum for the project.

“I wasn’t allowed to touch anything – they are so fragile and rare, everything had to be moved for me, even by a millimetre just to get the perfect angle for shooting. I’ll never forget the experience – I feel extremely blessed to have been given access to such national treasures,” says Woolright.

For those who find themselves busy during standard opening hours, the exhibition coincides with The Auckland Zoo’s ‘Open Lates’ whereby every Thursday during the month of February, the Zoo including Lonesome Beast Native presented by Moa Brewing Co. will be open to the public until 8pm. To encourage visitation from a more mature audience, the Zoo will be exclusively open to adults only from 5.30pm. Open Late tickets are priced at $12 per adult.

Tickets can be purchased from www.aucklandzoo.co.nz or upon entry to The Auckland Zoo.

WHAT: Lonesome Beast Native presented by Moa Brewing Co. exhibition

A creative photographic collaboration between Shelton Woolright, Dean Sacred, Flox, Otis Frizzell and Askew One with 10% proceeds going towards The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund

WHEN: Wednesday 3rd February to Friday 26th February (closed during Waitangi weekend)

WHERE: Old Elephant House at The Auckland Zoo
99 Motions Road
Western Springs

TIME: Across the Auckland Zoo opening hours for the rest of the month

COST: This is a free exhibition upon entry to The Auckland Zoo. Auckland Zoo general tickets cost $28 for adults, $12 for children and infants under four years are free. Every Thursday during February tickets for the Open Late (5.30-8pm) nights cost just $12 for adults (these events are exclusively for adults)

ENDS

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