Although Ans is best remembered for her poignant documentation of life in Aotearoa New Zealand, her astute observations of other people and cultures deepened her interest in wider social and political matters.

 

On show from 1-20 November will be photographs from two significant bodies of work made in the mid-1980's:


New York City (1987): 1–10 November

The Philippines (1986): 11–20 November 


In 1986, Ans won the regional competition in the Commonwealth Photography Award and the £1,000 prize money enabled her to travel to the Philippines later that year. Ans was drawn to  the unfamiliar landscapes, cultures and ethnicities which she photographed extensively. While in the Philippines, Ans also undertook two commissions, one for UNICEF and the other for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  


The following year Ans travelled to New York City. By this time, she had veered from the territory of art photography, towards political documentary and had made a shift from observation to intervention when it came to certain social issues.        


To accompany the New York City exhibition, International Legal Academic, Doctor Alexander Gillespie gave a talk at {Suite} on 7 November, discussing the US election result, and the implications for New Zealand. Introduced by {Suite} Director David Alsop.