The Crescent Moon The Asian Face of Islam in New Zealand

The Crescent Moon: The Asian Face of Islam in New Zealand showcasing 26 photographs by renowned photographer Ans Westra begins at the Rotorua Museum on Friday [15 July].

It is presented with the fascinating stories behind each individual, by writer Adrienne Jansen, giving a captivating and often surprising insight into the lives of Asian Muslims living in New Zealand.

The men and women, whose thoughts and portraits appear in this exhibition, represent many strands of Asian experiences that have been part of our society since the first Muslims arrived with Chinese gold miners over 130 years ago. Some are recent immigrants, but many voices in the exhibition are New Zealand-born.

Ans Westra is one of New Zealand’s finest social and documentary photographers. Since arriving here from Holland in 1957, she has consistently and uncompromisingly recorded precise, unposed, and often beautiful, images of New Zealanders going about the business of living.

This exhibition is on display at Rotorua Museum from 15 July until 14 August.

Entry to the exhibition is included with admission to Museum, which is free for Rotorua residents with proof of residency.