'Who Are We?' - Zeal student photographers' group exhibition at Photospace Gallery, 1st-7th July 2015

Featuring the work of six high-school-aged artists, 'Who Are We?' looks at the idea of photography as a voice; a means of projection and expression. In a time where the standing place of New Zealand’s young people is culturally and socially debated and misunderstood, these six artists seek to cut through the noise and make their own voices heard.

Through their work, the photographers have explored their own perceptions and perspectives of what it means to be a young person in New Zealand. This exhibition aims to give the voice back to young people, in order to break down common views of who they are believed to be, and instead show who they really are; deeply passionate and eager to leave their mark on the world, whilst searching for a meaningful life, full of purpose. Diverse, unique, and at times quirky, these pieces will present viewers with an insight into the eyes, minds, and experiences of New Zealand’s young people.

The six photographers – Austin Docherty, Rosa Delich, Mia Yule, Lola Graham-Wiggins, Elliot Davis, and Fenn Braithwaite – are all graduates of a 15-week photography course run out of Zeal Youth Centre in Central Wellington. It is a project which seeks to connect aspiring young artists with industry professionals who can assist in honing and developing their craft.

The exhibition begins with an Opening Evening at 6pm on Wednesday the 1st of July and continues throughout the week until Tuesday the 7th. Admission is free. The photographic prints will be for sale at $50.00 each, with 100% of the sale price going back to Zeal to help run their photography course.

This is the third year running that Photospace Gallery has hosted a group exhibition of photography by Zeal students. It is refreshing to see that photography can be a powerful tool for self expression in the hands of teenagers. It's quite a step to go from learning the complex operation of a DSLR camera and the basic techniques of photography to using the medium of photography to explore ideas and personal concerns. Many photographers never make this leap; they remain stuck in the formalist tradition of making forever better-composed pictures with progressively more sophisticated equipment. But the key to it is to keep technique in mind while concentrating on actual image-making, which is what these six teenagers at Zeal have successfully managed to achieve.

Photo: Mia Yule

Photo: Fenn Braithwaite

Photo: Rosa Delich

Photo: Elliot Davis