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Finalists 2016
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J O I N T W I N N E R Rannoch Photography by Simon Devitt simondevitt.com Design by InHouse Design Printed by Everbest, China Pages 240 Edition of 1000 Size 165mm x 207mm ISBN 978 0 473 37228 6 RRP Standard Edition NZ$90.00, Limited Edition NZ$500 Buy a copy Artist Description Simon Devitt (b.1973) is a photographer born on a bed of pine needles to a high priestess. He is based New Zealand where he lectures in Photography of Architecture at the University of Auckland, and his practice focus is architecture. Book Description It has been said that someone's home is an outward expression of what lies within. Rannoch, a gracious Arts and Crafts style property on the side of Auckland's Mt Eden volcano, exudes the character, energy and passions of its current resident, Sir James Wallace, one of New Zealand's biggest arts patrons. Wallace began purchasing and commissioning works in the 1960s and his collection now numbers in excess of 8000 pieces. This book juxtaposes a wide breadth of contemporary New Zealand art practice with the elegant, century-old interior and exterior spaces of the Rannoch estate, and acknowledges Rannoch's unique position in the history of New Zealand Art. Judges' Comment A thoughtful architectural essay marrying an exploration of the building with an intimate portrait of Wallace's life within the space. Classic architectural voyeurism that poetically presents the mores of the house and its inhabitants. The art collection, the collector and his minions draw a picture of almost Victorian misé-on-scene and class. The choice of paper and multiple page sizes is visually interesting, as it creates a nice object to touch as well as one with distinction. Printing onto absorbent stock emphasises the dark, atmospheric nature of Devitt's photographs – they appear to disappear and be absorbed into the page, leaving a sense of mystery and intrigue. A portrait of a collector that uses visual elision and metaphor. The artist thought closely about his approach before starting the book. |
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J O I N T W I N N E R |
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C O M M E N D E D |
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C O M M E N D E D |
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P E O P L E ' S C H O I C E |
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F I N A L I S T |
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F I N A L I S T |
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F I N A L I S T |
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F I N A L I S T
Someone's Mana Photography by Michael Krzanich michaelkrzanich.com Edited by Witi Ihimaera & Nadine Barth Published by Hatje Cantz (Germany) Design by Offsetdruckerei Karl Grammlich GmbH Pages 160 Edition of 2000 Size 300mm x 250mm ISBN: 978 064 6944 104 RRP: AU$85.00 Buy a copy Artist Description Kranich is an artistic photographer born in New Zealand now based in Melbourne. He was a finalist in the 2015 Bowness Prize with 'South', an image from Someone's Mana. Working mainly in colour film: large (8x10) and medium format (6x7), and instant photography. My focus has been on the way particular people live; their internal and external environments, their past and present situation, and how this transfers emotionally through the image I choose to capture. Book Description The term 'mana' can mean a supernatural force in a person, place, or inanimate object in particular cultures. In Maori culture, mana is a measure of influence, authority, charisma, or spiritual power. Mana can also be reduced through wrong doing, and this diminished state gives it a darkness as well. The carefully chosen images in the book serve the purpose of suggesting a contemporary view of the entity of mana. As they were taken mainly in remote regions of New Zealand, there was time to listen to stories, understand someone's life and the place where they now live. These very personal narratives remain safely locked within the chosen images, but the theme of the book draws on us to try to imagine it in what we see. Where is the mana? Judges’ Comment Publication with a respected international publisher is a notable achievement. This strong investigation of the cultural meanings of Mana, through photographs of people, land and place, successfully weaves together personal histories, literature and cultural knowledge. By combining photographs with text and poetry (supplied by creative collaborators) this book generates a mysterious energy at each page turn. Its photographic voice seems genuinely East Coast, with many elements and voices of the inhabitants represented. |
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Judges
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