White women's convention? : Marti Friedlander photographs the United Women's Convention, 1979

Abstract

Article speaks to photographer Marti Friedlander's photographs documenting the 1979 United Women's Convention at Waikato University in Hamilton. Considers the photographer's position as outsider, and her capturing of key concerns addressed at the convention including Māori and Pacific women's voices and concerns. Considers the convention's archival material. Discusses Robin White's screen-print 'Mere and Siulolovao, Otago Peninsula' (1978) and Friedlander's 'Open Forum' photographs taken at the Convention. Speaks to Friedlander's consideration of the event's diversity as well as its contradictions and underlying tensions.