In 1970s Aotearoa photography was just starting to be appreciated as an art form worthy of presentation in public galleries.

Under the leadership of Luit Bierenga, in collaboration with Photo Forum, The Manawatu Art Gallery boldly presented the first ever survey of contemporary art photography by New Zealand artists in 1975 in Active Eye.

Presenting a selection of 25 works from the original 1975 exhibition, Reframing The Active Eye celebrates the legacy of not only the Te Manawa Art Gallery but also the 1975 exhibition as trailblazers ahead of their time.

Works presented explore developing themes in New Zealand photography including image saturation in the media, social networks, and cultural cringe.

Click here to view the online collection of photographs from the original 1975 exhibition.

Please note, this exhibition contains adult themes.

Image: Gary Blackman, Penguin 1975. Te Manawa Art Society Collection. Courtesy of Te Manawa.