The images in The Homely II originate from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and were taken between 2001-2017. It is the sequel to Gavin Hipkins' celebrated series The Homely (1997-2001), which created conversations and conflicts between pictures from New Zealand and Australia. This new series was presented in an identical format, as an 80-photo frieze, entirely shot with an amateur film camera. It explores our differences and similarities with the United Kingdom by shuffling and combining locations to form a fragmented narrative. In conjunction with this presentation of The Homely II, Hipkins premiered a new video that further explores themes of nationalism and the British landscape.
A Titirangi resident, Hipkins has been described as a 'tourist of photography' for the way he navigates the medium's history, modes, manners, and mechanics across a diverse range of formal styles. Core concerns unite Hipkins' work, however, including myths of national identity, exploration and colonisation in the modern era, and how social and political ideologies visually shape the world we live in.
The Homely II was toured by City Gallery Wellington and was first exhibited there as part of their exhibition This Is New Zealand.
The volume features an interview with the artist and writing by Felicity Barnes, Andrew Clifford, Blair French, Terence Hanscombe, Robert Leonard, Aaron Lister, Emil McAvoy, Emma Ng, Lara Strongman and Megan Tamati-Quennell.
Editor: Robert Leonard
ISBN: 9780473511951
Format: Paperback
Pages: 127
Publisher: Bouncy Castle, in association with City Gallery Wellington
