For more than three decades, Laurence Aberhart has been photographing World War One memorials that include a single figure in New Zealand and Australia.

Over the last twelve months Aberhart has made a concerted effort to finish this series of photographs, travelling to the far reaches of New Zealand and Australia, to sleuth out and document the final components of the portfolio. Like all of his work, these photographs have been shot with an old-fashioned view camera using long exposures and available light.

ANZAC – a major exhibition of more than sixty prints – is the stunning result of this work which was launched at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery in 2014 in time for the WWI centenary commemorations.

This exhibition will provide a unique insight into the memorialisation of war, which will resonate for audiences both in this country and elsewhere. The ANZAC relationship is a significant story in the development of closer emotional, political and cultural ties between our two commonwealth countries. It also particularly marks the bonds that were formed in the WWI battles, a significant turning point in these nations’ histories as they became increasingly aware of their differences from their ‘homeland’ (Great Britain) compatriots.

Laurence Aberhart is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important photographers. His work has been exhibited widely in solo exhibitions throughout New Zealand and internationally and is found in all major New Zealand public collections as well as many overseas. For close to forty years, he has produced a body of work unrivalled in its intensity, richness and layers of cultural and photographic history.

The exhibition is accompanied by a major publication of the same name available at the Gallery Shop. This exhibition was developed by Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Supported by:

Header Image: Laurence Aberhart, Dunsandal, Canterbury, August 1981. Courtesy the artist. All Rights Reserved.

Image: Laurence Aberhart, Southport, Queensland, 19 March 2013. Courtesy the artist. All Rights Reserved.