Trans nudity challenges Palmerston North

Posted in: New Zealand Daily News
By GayNZ.com Daily News Staff - 1st March 2009

A critically-acclaimed collection of 'gender fluid' photography – including several nude images – are on the walls of a Palmerston North gallery from this weekend, in what is being described as a "bold move" in the conservative town.

Mark, boy/girl: A photo by Rebecca Swann

The Assume Nothing collection, already seen in Lower Hutt and Auckland, features twenty-three provocative images by photographer Rebecca Swann, eight animated portraits and a documentary by award-winning film maker Kirsty McDonald.

The collection, which opened yesterday at Palmerston North's Te Manawa gallery, comes with this warning: "Please note this exhibition addresses some important issues in our society. It contains adult themes, and some people may find the images and language challenging."

The gallery's curator Nicola Jennings told the Manawatu Standard that she hopes the exhibition will raise awareness of gender diversity.

"It's an important topic," she explained. "It's about learning to understand the diversity of our community - it's not often talked about. It's dealt with here in a non-judgmental and creative way."

Assume Nothing is on display until Sunday 7 June at the Te Manawa gallery, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North.