Lyrical Landscapes

Leo Tolstoy is attributed as saying that, "The basis of human happiness is the possibility to be together with nature, to see it and to talk to it." This exhibition explores the poetry of the Aotearoa, New Zealand landscape; each of the photographers use different processes in what could be described as a neo-pictorialist aesthetic. In this age of post-modern neutrality and dis-engagement, these photographs celebrate the dialogues that we have with 'place', and suggests that if we listen and look, the landscape will also tell its own story.

Karen Crisp has photographed the Otuataua Stonefields in Mangere. This reserve displays some of the finest examples of large scale stonework and earthwork remains, and botanically it retains patches of volcanic rock forest that are some of the last uncleared remnants in the Auckland region. These residues reveal the way these volcanic areas once were, and how they were inhabited.

Throughout our communities are placed monuments to those who fell in the World Wars 1 and 2, as well as in the South African campaign. These represent a time when this country was united in grief for the loss of loved ones. Neil Findlay's series, 'Monuments', explores these edifices and their place in the ever-changing landscape of their evolving communities.

Dorina Jotti's work, 'Recovered', is about recovering the memory of a land that was once covered with trees. The trees provided support for the soil, and the soil in turn nourished and sustained its people.

John Malcolm's series 'Arks of the Covenant' looks at impossibly large objects placed in improbably environments, representative of the hopes, aspirations and dreams of today's urban kiwis.

Presented in association with the Auckland Festival of Photography. Meet the artists Karen Crisp, Neil Finlay, Dorina Jotti & John Malcolm at Northart on Sunday 20th June, 2pm - 4pm: all welcome, refreshments will be served, free admission - donations welcomed.

Event listed by Northart

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