Arrivals and Departures
Kirk Lafferty
Myers Park Caretakers Historical Cottage
72 Greys Avenue, Auckland Central
10 - 24 June 2025
Opening 6pm Tuesday 10 June
Part of the Auckland Festival of Photography
Many cultures have come and gone from the Karanga A Hape precinct. This collection shines a light on many of those and the individuals who have sustained them. A handmade book made of sustainable and recycled materials houses this collection.
The book itself sits inside a larger box, which itself has framed images in it and is made from 19th Century repurposed broken furniture. The images have been shot over the last ten years on the Karangahape Road vicinity covering many different souls who have lived, worked, played and enjoyed life on this vibrant street. Social comment flows through the text, which includes historical images from The Kura Auckland Library collection. The images and text leave the viewer wondering why some cultures thrived, some survived, sustaining their place along the strip, and others left. It questions whether they were treated well in their time here. It unapologetically asks whether people are respected in the way we all deserve, no matter their sex, race or lifestyle choices. It celebrates all who happened to come into the photographer's lens as the collection came together.
The photography itself often uses multiexposures to amplify ideas and creative expression. Some images from the book are also presented as large wall scroll hangings. The forward is graciously written by our resident Green Co-leader and MP Chlöe Swarbrick.