LANDCAPE photographer Ebony Whitaker is starting a Kickstarter campaign to fund an outdoor exhibition of large-scale work at Wharaurangi, on The Strand.
Ebony says the exhibition is aimed at informing, educating and beautifying The Strand in Whakatane.
Using his own work printed on self-adhesive material he plans to use blank wall space in the Wharaurangi courtyard.
The exhibition will be coupled with a social media promotion aimed at encouraging youth to share their own landscape photography images.
Ebony was raised in Ohope and was a competitive surfer. He says this relationship with the ocean grew into a deep appreciation and respect for the natural environment, which he now showcases in his stunning photography. He has been a photographer for the past 15 years.
“I have photographed all over the world but to come back to work in the East Coast is to be immersed in paradise.
“By bringing these works directly into the community, we will continue to break down the barriers between art creators and art consumers and hopefully increase the number of ethnically and age diverse people who are interested in art and who may find their own creative streak in the process.”
Ebony has already raised $1200 toward the exhibition through the Creative Communities Scheme and needs to raise a further $3988 to make it happen. This includes the hiring of wall space for two months and bond, the printing, installation and removal of images and kickstarter website fees.
The proposed start date for the exhibition is March 1 and it will run at least until the end of April. However, depending on availability it may continue into May.
Visit kickstarter.com/projects/falp/outdoor-landscape-photography-exhibition to get involved. To view Ebony’s photos of Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Rotorua, visit his Fine Arts Landscape Photography website, falp.co.nz.