International Exhibition Comes To Wanaka Waterfront

The Wanaka lakefront will transform into a giant 24-hour gallery with the arrival of renowned international photographic exhibition, Earth from Above, an aerial portrait of our planet, on March 9, 2007.

From spectacular glaciers to a market garden in Timbuktu, photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand has captured an incredible variety of landscapes from the air. The visually stunning, large-scale images (1.8m x 1.2m) are also a report on the state of the planet, revealing the ‘human footprint’ made in the name of progress. Both a celebration of diversity and a chance to contemplate the future, Earth from Above will leave a powerful impression on both heart and mind.

Fourteen years in the making, the exhibition has been seen in London, Montreal, Moscow, Melbourne and Wellington and now for the first time in the South Island thanks to the efforts of a consortium of arts and environmental groups led by the Aspiring Arts and Culture Trust and the Festival of Colour.

“This is a must-see, an outdoor photographic exhibition is mind-boggling to begin with and then when you see the images, you really can’t miss it,” said Aspiring Arts and Culture Trust chairman, Jeri Elliot. “What is also great about this exhibition is the unity of all the different bodies that have got together to bring it to Wanaka, let’s hope we can do it again sometime.”

Festival of Colour director, Philip Tremewan said the spectacular images set against the scenic backdrop of autumnal Lake Wanaka would inspire all who saw them.

“We’re expecting people to travel from all over the South Island to enjoy this unique exhibition. It’s the only opportunity to see Earth from Above in the South Island and it’s sure to stay in peoples’ minds for many years to come,” he said.

This visual spectacle also raises awareness of the world we live in. Each image is accompanied by narrative highlighting the related environmental issues. The core message of Earth from Above is sustainable development and the need to adopt more sustainable, environmental and social practices. School groups can study the environmental and sustainability issues raised by the images with curriculum packages provided for their visits.

Earth from Above will run from March 9 to April 29 2007, timed to culminate in the Southern Lakes Festival of Colour. It is free to view and is on display 24 hours a day.

This exhibition is brought to the Wanaka waterfront by:
• Aspiring Arts and Culture Trust
• Festival of Colour
• Lake Wanaka Tourism
• Natural History Film-Making and Communication, University of Otago
• Sustainable Wanaka
• Upper Clutha Community Arts Council
• Upper Clutha Environmental Society
• Wanaka Arts Society

Earth from Above is produced in New Zealand by the New Zealand International Arts Festival with the patronage of UNESCO and with the generous support of FujiFilm, Air France, Eurocopter and the Institut Géographique National-France. Sponsored by Locations and Lake Wanaka Tourism. Supported by Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust of Otago and Real Art Charitable Trust.

ENDS

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