We have had a lovely weekend. Yesterday we set out reasonably early to go to the Petone carnival but were discouraged by the heavy traffic and the memories of it not having been all that great last time. Those things considered we nipped out of Jackson St and up onto the motorway to head in to Wellington. I had heard of a photographic exhibition in Willis Street. The World Press exhibition.
finding parking looked doubtful until we discovered a parking building on Willis Street. I hadn't noticed it before so it felt like a wonderful find. With three major parking buildings int he city closed, even weekend parking is limited. I was so glad Sean was driving as we wound up and up top level F to finally find a park that was not reserved. The ramps are so narrow. The building was above the old Mexican Canteena, or the Mex as we used to call it. We both have good memories of the place although we have not been there together and it is long since closed.
Wandering down to Willis street we came across a Mexican restaurant so it seemed natural to try them out for lunch. The food was really tasty if a bit overpriced for what you get. They were able to direct us to the Telecom towers where the exhibition was showing, very helpful.
It was only $5 entry fee each which I thought was a more than fair. So I sailed on in thinking this would be a great experience, exposure to some culture and all that.
I quickly discovered it was not going to be a nice experience. The first two doz photos were graphic portrayals of death and mayhem from various attacks of Syria and Gaza. Damaged or dead people everywhere. I understand that these are evocative and emotional photographs. Just what a press photographer needs in order to make a living. But good lord they were bleak. Then just when you think you cant take any more they move on to... ta da ..deformed adults and then.. prostitution!.. oh joy.. I was pretty much ready to leave at that point.
Further round the corner I discovered a series of 4 photos of sumo wrestlers. they were stunning, somber and thoughtful. They have black backgrounds and incredible detail. The men were straight faced and looking at the camera warily.
There were a few animal photos from a zoo somewhere that looked like it should be shut down. I nearly cried, they were just awful. and a few photos of same sex couples in an Asian city that has only recently decided to allow same sex relationships. The relationships were not the feature for me, but the abject poverty they seemed to live in was appalling. These are current photographs. These people live like that now.
There was a photograph of a man holding the tails of two bullock and competing in a race with that as the only way he had to control the beasts. The competitors have to run their animals in as straight a line as possible. There was mud spraying everywhere, on first glance it was a great action shot. but when I REALLY looked at it there were ropes through the bullocks noses.. I felt quite nauseous.
One beautiful shot further round the display was of a synchronised swimmer (http://www.worldpressphoto.org/awards/2013/sports-action/zheng-wei?gallery=6096) who seemed to be suspended in the air like she may have been diving and not yet reached the water. This and some photos of penguins and another of an albino girl were the only ones I would like to see again.
They can keep the rest.
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