In Peninsula Women, social documentary photographer, Nicola Thorne shows women living in Banks Peninsula undertaking everyday activities at home and work.  Focusing on the historic, cultural and social dynamics of everyday people, these documentary photographs reveal some of the diverse roles that women hold in this unique geographic environment: from midwife to sheep farmer. Thorne’s thoughtful and intelligent black and white images capture and celebrate women of varying ages and backgrounds who are both ordinary and extraordinary, who achieve but are seldom recognised.

Nicola Thorne is a photographer who lives in Charteris Bay on Banks Peninsula.  She graduated with a BFA(Hons) in Photography from the University of Canterbury, Ilam School of Fine Arts in 2018. It was during her university studies that she developed a strong passion in researching and documenting contemporary New Zealand women.  Thorne builds relationships with those she photographs, documenting the historical, cultural and social dynamics of everyday New Zealanders with an appreciation of their lifestyles.

Thorne’s work has been shown in group exhibitions at galleries that include Christchurch’s CoCA Toi Moroki  and the Ashburton Art Gallery. Her previous documentary projects include International Arrivals, an insight into the lives of five recent immigrants to post-earthquake Christchurch; Not Just Tea and Scones, a study of New Zealand working rural women; and Edgewise, a visual research project on retirement in Diamond Harbour.   Documenting New Zealand Women is her first solo exhibition.

IMAGES

1. Nicola Thorne,Jo Ryde
2. Nicola Thorne, Lil Foley

DETAILS

Nicola Thorne, Peninsula Women, 6 - 29 May
Stoddart Cottage Gallery,

2 Waipapa Avenue, Diamond Harbour

Friday-Sunday plus most public holidays, 10am-4pm

Peninsula Women opens Saturday 6 – 29 May, 3-5pm