As part of the 2019 Artweek Auckland programme Tim Melville is pleased to present a suite of 7 new photographs by Russ Flatt.
At a time when one-in-five young LGBTI+ New Zealanders has attempted suicide, and when many Māori and Pacific religious leaders appear to be promoting homophobic messages, photographer Russ Flatt explores the fractured relationship between LGBTI+ culture and evangelical Christianity.
Recently, Australian rugby player Israel Folau felt compelled to preach homophobia on his social media platforms. Similarly, New Zealand netball player Maria Folau’s support for her husband’s views resulted in public outrage and division on both sides of the Tasman.
At the same time, Brian Tamaki’s apology to the LGBTI+ community for decades of homophobic preaching – seemingly timed to coincide with the launch of a political party – was undermined by his subsequent denial of the existence of Trans men and women.
Hell Bent is Russ Flatt’s response to contemporary events. This is his fifth solo show with Tim Melville.
Photography: Kallan MacLeod
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View
Russ Flatt
We have gay friends
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1143mm H x 762mmW
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
I'm a Mother, I'm a Grandmother, hey a Great Grandmother
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1143mm H x 762mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Man Up
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1143mm H x 762mm W
EDITION SOLD OUT
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View
Russ Flatt
Blessed
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1143mm H x 762mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Untitled (Non-Apology)
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1143mm H x 762mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View
Russ Flatt
Go Fund Me
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1016mm H x 1016mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Go Fund Me
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1016mm H x 1016mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View
Russ Flatt
Complicit
2019
Inkjet photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
1016mm H x 1016mm W
Edition: 3 + 1 AP
Russ Flatt
Hell Bent
October - November 2019
Installation View