Clare Henwood

'2020 was meant to be my year. I had just finished my photography degree, my OE was just around the corner. With graduation to celebrate after that. However, none of that was meant to be. So many of us our lives and plans were forced to be put on hold as we went into a harsh lockdown so abruptly.

'As humans we are not designed to be kept cooped up, restricted from the environment or remain in solitude for too long. We need to have our freedoms.

'The first thing I did once the lockdown ended was, get in my car and visit family and friends. But it wasn’t just about reconnecting with the people I had missed, it was about getting out and feeling free; reconnecting with our beautiful New Zealand. For me that meant doing a road trip, seeing loved ones and exploring some new places along the way. Having the ability to move around the country again felt like a breath of fresh air.'

Clare Henwood is a New Zealand photographer based in the Wairarapa and has recently completed her Bachelor of Design majoring in Photography at Massey University in Wellington.

Clare’s photographic journey has, of late, explored nature through the modes of fauna, flora and the coastline. Her photography has a neutral and earthy aesthetic with a particular emphasis on textures. As her photographic journey continues, Clare is still developing her own unique style which is working with multiple photos she has taken to create one image. The final photo is designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as commanding as it will challenge the way you look at it.

Clare’s aim is to challenge the way that you look at her photos and in turn the world around you. To make you look more critically, take in the little details that are often lost or overlooked and gain a new perspective.

Young Artists 2021 gallery exhibition

1. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021, Photography Aotearoa

2. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021

3. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021

4. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021, Photography Aotearoa

5. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021

6. Clare Henwood, Responses to 2020 - Young Artists 2021

This series of photographic work was submitted for the Young Artists' 2021 group exhibition but was not selected for the gallery exhibition of printed photographs.

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