Fragile Foundations is a photographic exhibition that brings into focus the earthquake-prone buildings of Wellington—a city that knows the ground beneath it can shift at any moment. Part visual critique of the negligence that postpones essential upkeep, part social commentary on the changing nature of building codes and political risk appetites, this exhibition documents a period of time characterised equally by inertia and change.

The buildings featured in this exhibition are a part of our daily urban landscape, chosen for their personal, aesthetic, historical and architectural significance. Captured on medium format film with a Mamiya 645, these monochrome images are hand-developed, reflecting the enduring yet vulnerable nature of our city. Following the traditions of both documentary and architectural photography, the black and white images highlight the strength and beauty of these buildings—the textures, the lines, the way they stand against the times, each with its story of resilience and risk.

CONTACT

Instagram: fragile_foundations

Images

Anton Kitchener, Adelaide Hotel