Overview
Each and every one of us knows Auckland is a diverse city, with people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds calling Tāmaki Makaurau home. We all go about our daily lives doing our thing, but when are we going to start asking the big questions? How does the media represent the 'other', our friends, our neighbours and our colleagues and how often do we question these representations? What prejudices and stereotypes are forced upon people and do we even question the existence of them?
I AM is a photography project that focuses on what it means to be African in New Zealand, without all of the stereotypes. It's about telling the stories of a community the way the community wants them to be told, about empowering people of African descent and countering the all-to-often portrayal from western media and entertainment.
The exhibition of these powerful works kicks off on May 25, Africa Day, and the opening will be a celebration of the African community in New Zealand. With live drums, a traditional coffee ceremony and beautiful work on show, the stories of these communities will be hanging proud for all to see.
Image credit: Julia Glover