CHATTER

CPotY Snapshots

Title: Last Light Photographer: Andy Hansen Category: Inside semi-finalist

Behind the camera: Software developer and self-confessed “doomscroller” Andy admits it took him longer than it should to lose his “apathetic teenager mindset.” Now he’s finding plenty to enjoy, photography being one such pastime. He grew up in Dunedin and completed his undergraduate degree there, before heading to the capital.

Why photography? It is a “fusion of hobby and compulsion.” Capturing the “coming and going” in the world is what he loves about photography – recording change, decay, and growth. Andy has recently begun shooting for Capital.

The snap: Last Light varied from Andy’s usual black and white work. The image was captured at the Workingmen’s Bowling Club in Newtown, which closed in 2021. Arriving with his camera just as golden hour was starting, he says it “felt like a bit of a time capsule.”

The club is now boarded up. “I think of the years of great memories that were likely had there. Now they have to happen somewhere else.”

Judge’s thoughts: Te Papa curator Lizzie Bisley: “I was impressed with this image, using an empty room and still life objects to convey pathos and loss. I loved the fact that this photograph turned away from the view of the outside – focusing on light cast in from a window, rather than allowing us to look out.”

One

Lucky 13

Poet, editor, and regular Capital columnist Chris Tse has been announced as Aotearoa’s 13th poet laureate. Born and raised in Lower Hutt, Chris has been writing poetry since the age of 16, and now, at 39, he has published three poetry collections, edited several anthologies, and performed at literary festivals here and abroad. Chris’s tenure as laureate covers the next two years, during which he will receive a $100,000 stipend to fund his role of promoting poetry and producing new works.

Two

A WOW win

Wellington writer, illustrator, and costume and props maker Fifi Colston won the Aotearoa category of this year’s World of Wearable Art competition. Her design, which she co-created with Bruce Mahalski, artist and director of the Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery, was called Fera Dei and featured animal bones on the bodice. Fifi has been entering WOW since 1995, notching up 27 finalist designs. Hawke’s Bay artist Kate MacKenzie was crowned Supreme WOW Award winner for the second time, for her garment Wanton Widow.

Three

Veggie Sundays

Coffee in one hand, carrots in the other, artist Tallulah Farrar finds the Sunday Harbourside Market the perfect compound of all the things to she loves about this city. “The people, music, the water, the colourful fresh produce, friendly dogs, and the line of amazing food tents and trucks.” Tallulah used the market as her inspiration when she designed this year’s Capital tea towel, which features fruit, veggies, and flowers on sunny stalls. Over the festive period all Capital gift subscriptions will receive a limited-edition tea towel with the first magazine (while stocks last). Visit capitalmag.co.nz/shop to purchase.

Four

Try te reo

Wellington City Council has launched a free app to encourage people to give te reo a go. Mahau offers phrases with easy pronunciation guidance, which can be incorporated into our daily lives. There are phrases for use in particular locations, such as the classroom or the pool, and lists of items including food, body parts, and colours. The app will hopefully bring Wellington a step closer to the goal of being a bilingual city by 2040.

New in town

Jane on the go

Artist Jane Hyder has moved into new studio digs, Studio Two, at the Toi Pōneke Arts Centre. To celebrate she’s launching a new range of gifts which feature her vibrant artwork. Mugs, prints, and cards are available as well as her original paintings, which can be viewed by appointment.

Art unmissable

Get ready for the ARTBOURNE 2022 exhibition at Wellesley College, Eastbourne. Featuring works by more than 40 artists, including multidisciplinary digital artist Tim Christie, photographer Catherine Cattanach, Jo Kreyl, Esther Bunning, Jane Blackmore, and Sarah Albisser. The exhibition will open with a gala opening night on 10 November, and runs until 13 November.

Five

Tagged

Earlier this year Kāpiti Coast District Council replaced its non-recyclable plastic dog registration tags with aluminium tags, designed to last a dog’s lifetime. However, dog owners have reported that the information on them quickly rubs off, and are annoyed by the metallic clinking sound they make. Kāpiti Coast District Council has now created an alternative, introducing a recycled plastic version, which is intended to last 10 years.

Six

Big shoes to fill

After 76 years beloved shoe shop Gubb’s will be closing its doors. Laurie Gubb opened the store in 1946, using a rehabilitation loan he received after World War II. His son Paul Gubb began working in the shop at the age of 17, and has kept it going through 53 years and five relocations, with extensive help from his wife, Julie. Christmas Eve will be the shop’s final day, after which the pair plan to devote more time to their charter boat business.

It's cool to kōrero

Ki tō nā whakaaro, he aha te tae pai ake ki te peita i te kāuta? What do you reckon is the best colour to paint the kitchen?

Seven

New (in) town

Graphic designer Mia Breitenmoser has opened a colourful store on Constable Street in Newtown. MIMI stocks curated goods, homewares, and jewellery. The shop is just around the corner from Mia’s childhood home, “I used to get my hair cut in the building as a child, so it feels very full circle,” Mia says. With help from her dad, the space has been given a makeover, and Mia plans to eventually host events there, “pop-ups, exhibitions, gigs – who knows what!”

Eight

A glass full

Art glass lovers will descend on Whanganui on 3 December for the annual Glass Market at New Zealand Glassworks. Well known local and national artists, such as Emma Camden and David Traub, will have stalls selling samples and seconds.

Nine

Photos at Pātaka

If you missed it the first time, this is your second chance to catch Capital Photographer of the Year: The Exhibition. Back by popular demand, this time the exhibition is being held in Porirua’s Pātaka Art + Museum until 11 December. Providing a fascinating window on Wellington, it showcases the best images from the 2022 competition, including all the category winners and our official Capital Photographer of the Year.