I am an ex Wellingtonian studying at Westminster University. I am beginning research for a dissertation on New Zealand photography from the perspective of the immigrant/new or temporary residing artist/photographer and may stretch this to first born New Zealanders. I will begin with Ans Westra but would prefer to focus on contemporary photographers of a fine art training.

I have found articles and catalogues for two 'New Zealand' photography shows. 'Slow Release' (Sydney/Adam Art Gallery) and 'Wonder-land' (Rome Symposium). Along my research trail I have found it difficult to pin point any recurrent or major conceptual/socio-political themes that prevail amongst New Zealand Photographers - it almost seems that anything goes and there is more 'free reign' for the photographers and the photography market in New Zealand? Whilst, on the other hand, constant themes emerge for those working as multi-media artists. ie, cultural identity, bi-culturalism/muliculturalism/ post colonialism and national identity.

What, in your opinion, are the prevailing themes for in New Zealand Photography today and what level are they working on most strongly? ie Documentary, conceptual, docu-conceptual, installation etc. Are the forementioned themes of the multimedia artist applicable to photographers to the same extent?
Fully aware that a lot of the 'Identity Art' produced in New Zealand is a market led phenomenon, I wanted to approach this subject from the perspective of the immigrant/or New Zealand working artist/photographer. How do they respond or not respond to these issues, and more specifically, how do they respond to the notion of bicultural national identity?

Do you know of any photographers that I could consider for my dissertation?
So far I have found Marti Friedlander, Ans Westra, Emilio Mafile'o, Haru Sameshima, Seung Yul Oh, Kats Ando (Japanese student 2000), Shigeru Takato (student photographer, now in Germany), Waroonwan Thongvanit, Shigeyuki Kihara , Yuk King Tan. DIENEKE JANSEN, Ingrid Boberg, Alex Monteith, Mladen Bizumic, Rudolph Boelee.

Regards,
Sarah Chamberlain

Assistance should be provided directly to Sarah at csarahch@gmail.com