Members of east Auckland’s Howick Photographic Society (HPS) are taking part in an exhibition intended to serve as a cultural bridge between two countries.
The exhibition is being staged at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington and is entitled New Zealand-China Cultural Bridge HUI.
HPS president Torben Nielsen says it’s based on the unique charm of China’s ethnic minority culture and integrates New Zealand’s diverse culture.
The three HPS members with works in the showcase are Nielsen, Nikolai Vakhroushev, and Shona Kebble.
“It uses the photography works of local New Zealand photographers who went to Xiangxi, Hunan Province, to open the door to China’s diverse ethnic minorities and their intangible cultural heritage,” Neilsen says.
“It conveys the unique charm of China’s ethnic minority culture to the world, demonstrates the exchange and integration of cultures between the two countries, and hopes to promote cultural understanding and friendship between China and New Zealand, while bringing a visual and spiritual feast to New Zealand audiences.”
Nielsen says the exhibition’s opening on February 17 saw guests gather to witness the cultural exchange event.
Among those in attendance were Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, Xie Yongjun, Russian Ambassador to New Zealand Georgii Zuev, Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand Dinesh Khadka, chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society Chris Lipscombe, and National Party List MP Nancy Lu, among others.
The exhibition is not only a “visual feast”, Nielsen says, but also a grand event of cultural exchange.
“Through photography, the audience can gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural commonalities between China and New Zealand and feel the unique charm of the two cultures.
“This exhibition will build a bridge for cultural exchanges between the two countries and further promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
“Through the art of photography, the cultures of the two countries are closely intertwined across the boundaries of time and space, and work together to build a harmonious world full of love and tolerance.”
HPS members are also taking part in an exhibition at the Lake House Arts Centre in Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore from April 17 to May 9.
It will showcase works by Kiwi photographers, “presenting the charm of Chinese and New Zealand culture”.
People from all walks of life are welcome to visit and witness this grand event of cultural exchange, Nielsen says.
“Audiences can gain an in-depth understanding of the essence of the two countries’ cultures through photographic works and feel the power of cultural exchanges.”
“Using the lens as a key to unlock the door to China’s ethnic minority intangible cultural heritage, conveying the unique charm of these cultures to the world.”
A third exhibition featuring work by HPS members will be staged at the Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Memorial Hall from June 3-6.
