Ans Westra 1936–2023

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Ans Westra 1936–2023

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of Ans Westra, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most renowned photographers.

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E whakanui ana tēnei o ngā whakaaturanga i ngā mahi a Ans Westra, tētahi o ngā ringa whakaahua rongonui o Aotearoa.

When | Āhea

18 Mar – 17 Sep 2023

Where | Ki hea

Level 5 Landing, Toi Art

Cost | Te utu

Free

Ages | TE REANGA

All ages

Allow | ME WHAKARITE

10 minutes

Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

Wheelchair access

Over six decades, Westra used her camera to document the everyday lives of this country’s people.

She is best known for her candid images of Māori in the 1960s and 70s. Westra aimed to show people ‘as they really were’. Her unobtrusive presence allowed her to capture the intimacy and emotion of ordinary, human moments.

Discover moreKia kitea ake

People standing in a group ready for a protest. There are police standing to the left of them.

Photographer: Ans Westra

Dutch-born New Zealand photographer Ans Westra is known for her black-and-white documentary photography of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, including protests and marches, Māori communities, street photography, and industrial scenes.

A black and white portrait of a woman looking at the camera with her chin resting on her hand.

Ans Westra, photographer (1936–2023)

New Zealand photographer Ans Westra passed away on 26 February 2023 at age 86. Here curator of photography Athol McCredie reflects on some aspects of Westra’s work.

View of three young Māori men leaning on a wooden rail. On their left stands a young blonde woman in a St Johns uniform.

Listen: Interview with Ans Westra

This excerpt is from a conversation between photographer Ans Westra and Curator Photography Athol McCredie for the book, ‘The New Photography’.

“If people didn’t want me to take the photograph they would chase me away.”
– Ans Westra