21 Jan 2016
A major touring exhibition of more than sixty prints by one of New Zealander’s most accomplished photographers, Laurence Aberhart will open to the public on January 30 at the Ashburton Art Gallery. This exhibition ANZAC embodies more than three decades or work for Aberhart who has photographed World War One memorials that include a single figure in New Zealand and Australia.
In 2013 Aberhart made a concerted effort to finish this series of photographs, travelling to the far reaches of New Zealand and Australia, to sleuth out and document the final components of the portfolio. Like all of his work, these photographs have been shot with an old-fashioned view camera using long exposures and available light.
This exhibition will provide a unique insight into the memorialisation of war, which will resonate for audiences both in this country and elsewhere. The ANZAC relationship is a significant story in the development of closer emotional, political and cultural ties between our two commonwealth countries. It also particularly marks the bonds that were formed in the WWI battles, a significant turning point in these nations’ histories as they became increasingly aware of their differences from their ‘homeland’ (Great Britain) compatriots.
Laurence Aberhart is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important photographers. His work has been exhibited widely in solo exhibitions throughout New Zealand and internationally and is found in all major New Zealand public collections as well as many overseas. For close to forty years, he has produced a body of work unrivalled in its intensity, richness and layers of cultural and photographic history.
ANZAC is a touring exhibition developed by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and will be on display at the Ashburton Art Gallery until 27 March 2016. Admission is free.
Public Programmes Coordinator Simone Barnsdale’s says ‘the ANZAC exhibition creates great opportunities for the community to learn about and honour a momentous period in history.’ The Gallery will host a number of programmes associated with this exhibition including the Poppies Project, which will commemorate the fallen soldiers from the Ashburton District. Visitors from the 30 January are invited to make their own unique paper poppies and learn about our local soldiers fallen in WW1. These poppies will contribute to a display which participants are invited back to view throughout March and April and on ANZAC DAY, Monday 25 April when we will be open between 1:00-4:00pm.
Also a series of workshops, Sharing Images 101, Tips and Tricks for working with Digital Images will be running in February. These workshops are for those wanting to learn more about digital media. The workshops will run for the first 4 Mondays in February between 11am-12pm.
Also in February there will historical talks were experts will share their research on WW1. These informative speakers will shine light on the events leading up to the war and on New Zealand’s involvement. The first talk will be by Bill Barnes, Vietnam veteran and historian on the 16 February at 2pm and the second talk by Ian Collins, heritage writer at Lincoln University on the 23 February at 2pm. All are welcome to attend these free programmes which will run until ANZAC DAY.
Exhibition supported by:
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