VALE: ANS WESTRA
Anna Jacoba Westra CNZM (28 April 1936 – 26 February 2023), known as Ans Westra, was a Dutch-born New Zealand photographer, well known for her depictions of Māori life in the 20th century. Her prominence as an artist was amplified by her controversial 1964 children’s book Washday at the Pa. ………………………. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ans_Westra
I was wanting to observe life as it happened, without interrupting it as much as possible. ………………. Ans Westra
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A Euolgy for Ans by Simon Woolf
It is a very sad day for New Zealand Photography, with the passing of Living Treasure, Ans Westra.
Ans and the Woolf’s went back to the early 1960’s, when Ans arrived in New Zealand from The Netherlands. My Father Ronald, and Ans were young colleagues who were both members of The Wellington Photographic Society.
Ans became one of our countries most notable Documentary Photographers, and especially with her work alongside Maori. She gained trust and confidence, with all her subjects. Ans was an unobtrusive photographer, even given her height and stature. With a Rolleiflex camera at her waist, she was never a threat, and gained stunning images as a result.
I was to learn later what a superb craftsperson Ans was. In 1992 we became neighbours in Karori. I was able to observe first-hand what an amazing darkroom technician she was. Ans was as meticulous with her Black and White printing as she was with her compositions.
On certain occasions there would be Photo Forum meetings going on at 45 Standen St, while at No 47, our place, there were Photographic Society meet ups going on. There were some great over the fence conversations that occurred too!
Ans was a character, strong willed, with a great warmth and sense of humour. Among the photography conversations we had, there were mutual interests in gardening. It was great having a little suburban photography conclave. Ans was great with her advice and wisdom and was a lovely mentor to have next door! Most of all she became a great friend.
I doubt that there has been a Documentary Photographer of Ans’s ilk, ever before in New Zealand. There will be none like her again. She was a total one off. There have been many comparisons over the years, and especially with Marti Friedlander. Ans and Marti were as different in their photography as chalk and cheese. Both are true icons of New Zealand Photography.
The sheer quality and volume of Ans’s work, the historical value, along with the artistry she brought to each and every image has been astounding. Ans has seen and captured so many important moments in New Zealand’s History, in the decades she has been in New Zealand.
People and photographers like Ans are a rarity. She was a true Taonga ( Treasure) who will have a lasting legacy here in Aotearoa New Zealand, and I am sure even further afield.
Ans’ legacy is as much about her published works as is the imagery which will remain on the walls of galleries, homes and offices. “Washday at the Pa” and “Handboek” are her two seminal publications however “Maori” and “Notes on the country I live in” plus a myriad of other books and journals have equal importance.
Ans was a tremendously special person, who recorded New Zealand life and times like few others.
My deepest sympathy to all Ans’s family and friends. Arohanui and Rest in Peace Ans.
Simon Woolf is a well-known New Zealand photographic identity and son of Ronald Woolf, the highly acclaimed portrait and commercial photographer. He lectures widely and has acquired numerous qualifications throughout his career including Master of Photography, a Queens New Zealand Honour and a James White Fellowship.
SOME OF WESTRA’S BOOKS
ANS WESTRA – Maori
SOME REFERENCES FOR ANS WESTRA
ART NEW ZEALAND
ART NEW ZEAND – Ans Westra-Washday-Interview Issue100
SUITE GALLERY
SUITE GALLERY IN WELLINGTON – Ans Westra’s gallery
A VIDEO:
Introduction to the {Suite} Westra Museum, featuring Ans Westra and {Suite} director David Alsop
STUFF NEW ZEALAND
Obituary: Ans Westra focused her camera on Aotearoa Nicholas Boyack Mar 04 2023
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NEW ZEALAND HOLDINGS:
TE PAPA’s SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS
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Thank you Simon Woolf for your words
Photobooks in Australia + New Zealand 