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PHOTOGRAPHY + FINE ARTS

Among 
the Many

You walk into a room. It has an energy you can't quite put into words...

Among the Many Katie Stewart

"An overwhelming turnout", ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 2024

"Among the Many" completes my fourth year at Massey University with a Bachelor of Design with Honours. This project includes a written research proposal and public facing output to question how can photography engage with the atmospheric qualities of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington’s public events?

Among the Many Katie Stewart

"Unity", ANZAC Day 11am service, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 2024

Having a personal experience with anxiety, I am often overly aware of my surroundings and emotions within a space. Although this could be seen negatively, I have reframed it into something positive by investigating the atmosphere of Wellington City’s free public events. I began questioning why we feel a certain way in a particular spatial environment.

Among the Many Katie Stewart

"In good company" Cuba Dupa, Cuba Street Wellington, 2024

Through theoretical research, it is understood that an atmosphere is produced by invisible connections between people and place, weaving together an emotional landscape. Social and physical elements, such as crowd behaviour, sound, weather, and light, influence our thoughts, feelings and interactions. This often occurs without conscious effort, but we can become attuned to it when it is most intense or with sudden changes (Wall, 157). The perception of an atmosphere is “in the eye of the beholder” as it is an experience based on our values and beliefs (Leeuwen et al. 45). However, in a highly charged environment, we tend to mimic the emotions and actions of those around us. This means that an atmosphere can change the dynamic of a room, crowd or even a city.

Among the Many Katie Stewart

"Proud to be Māori", Toitu Te Tiriti Protest, Wellington, 2024

I selected events to photograph which included protests, parades, festivals and commemorations. Each had a unique atmosphere, uniting Wellingtonians in different ways. Attendees may have interacted by reflecting on the past and present, raising their voices, expressing pride, and relaxing in the afternoon sun. I have responded to this through my own experience of what I witnessed, giving insight into anxiety, loneliness and the sense of identity loss that can occur in large crowds. This is explored visually by intentionally hiding details of people photographed and navigating the crowd in a discreet manner. I also represented the public by attending different types of gatherings and capturing a range of perspectives, such as performers, attendees and children. I employed poetic documentary conventions by fluidly responding to the day, highlighting the unique emotive qualities. Among the Many allows an opportunity to gain an understanding of how people act in public gatherings and the internal and external factors that can influence this.

Among the Many Katie Stewart

"Moments in reflection", Matariki Ahi Ka, Wellington Waterfront, 2024

"Among the Many" was exhibited at Photospace Gallery and in Massey University Exposure Exhibition

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Katie Stewart
Photography and Fine Arts

© All images and content are copyright Katie Stewart 2025

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