The act of disappearing is something that all documentary photographers have to master, and no-one did it better than New Zealand photographer Ans Westra (28 April 1936 - 26 February 2023).
Whether it was a dance, a race-day or capturing the hijinks of young children, Ans had the ability to make herself invisible enabling viewers a chance to enter into different worlds. This series is a small collection that demonstrates her ability to show the small intimacies, mischievous moments, or the inner worlds of those deep in emotion.
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Whakatane Maori Youth Club, 1963. From the portfolio: PhotoForum - Ans Westra
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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...Hemi and Rebecca know better how to smoke cigarettes. From the series: Washday at the pa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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Mutu and Rebecca try to cut up the larger logs with their father's saw. From the series: Washday at the pa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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Taonga | Item
Rock and Roll Club, family day picnic at Bason Botanical Reserve, Wanganui
Sarjeant Gallery / Te Whare o Rehua / Whanganui
To find more examples of Ans Westra's work, see here
Featured organisations
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Whare taonga | Organisation
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
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Sarjeant Gallery / Te Whare o Rehua / Whanganui
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Whare Taonga | Organisation
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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Whare taonga | Organisation
Te Manawa