Jan Bryant Knihy

Derek Henderson captures the essence of Mercer, New Zealand, through a series of striking photographs taken with a large-format camera. Inspired by the works of color photographers like Sternfeld and Shore, he presents a poignant visual narrative that showcases the town's dilapidated interiors, intimate family portraits, and sweeping river landscapes, all infused with a sense of monumentality. This work not only documents a place but also reflects on personal and collective histories intertwined within the rural setting.

The story explores the transformative journey of a forest ranger who discovers innovative ways to connect with both wildlife and people in his new role. Central to the narrative is Danny, a man grappling with his past as he navigates life after imprisonment. The theme of confinement is examined through the metaphor of a fence, highlighting the dual nature of barriers—both protective and restrictive. As Danny strives to reclaim his innocence, the book delves into the complexities of redemption and the challenges of reintegration into society.

Jan Bryant looks at the strategies visual artists and filmmakers are using to criticise the social and economic conditions shaping our historical moment. She then assesses how the world is being positively re-imagined through their work today. Located at the intersection of practice and theory, Bryant argues that an effective contemporary political aesthetics encompasses more than just analysis of a work's conceptual or aesthetic reality. It should also consider the impact the artwork has at the point of reception, the methods adopted by the artists and the relationships they engender with communities.