Marti Friedlander | Through the Lens with Tatsiana Chypsanava

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Meet Tatsiana, a documentary photographer based in Nelson. Her personal work is always about people, with a focus on indigenous rights, migration, and environmental issues. Marti Friedlander: Portraits of The Artists is currently on view, and she was generous enough to answer some questions about it.

Tatiana Chypsanava. Credit: Braden Fastier

What are your thoughts on the exhibition?

I had a great time at the exhibition; Marti Friedlander is one of New Zealand's most well-known photographers, and any exhibition of her work is fascinating and stimulating for anyone. I’m grateful to The Suter Art Gallery for pulling it all together and bringing this top-notch exhibition to Nelson. I've really appreciated seeing the artworks from your collection - what an ingenious way to combine the two genres.

Were you familiar with the artists in her photographs?

There are artists that every New Zealander will have heard of, and there are names completely unknown to me - it is a massive body of work, and I am grateful to Marti for leaving us this legacy. An artist portrait such as this offers a unique view into the world of New Zealand art. I’ve visited this exhibition twice already, and I’ve attempted to learn as much as I can about the artists on display.

What’s your favourite piece in the exhibition and why?

Since seeing the exhibition, the portraits of Tony Fomison, Philip Clairmont, and Allen Maddox, and then the photographs of them together in their studio, have stayed with me the most.
Tony Fomison's portrait is unlike any other in the exhibition; it appears that Tony is not adhering to the rules of the photographic portrait, but rather pushing the boundaries of what a portrait is - no less than the photographer who is taking it; it seems there is an equal contribution of the sitter and the photographer that together has created this masterpiece.

For me, that image of Tony Fomison captured the essence of the creative process - the collaboration of the two artists, each of them contributing equally. Whereas in the other works it seems that Marti has slightly more control over her subjects. She commented that she found it challenging to take a portrait of Tony.

Tony, Philip, and Allen shared a studio, and these relaxed images of them together give us a feeling of what their lives and friendships were like - we get a glimpse of their lives unposed, or so it seems. I'm grateful to Marti for capturing these moments on film.

In your view, what makes a good portrait photo?

A good photographic portrait, in my opinion, is one in which the portrait sitter and the photographer have equal participation in the creative process. Even if it required several takes, it feels like a frame or a still from a documentary that is only limited by our lifetime - the light, the position, and the silent dialogue between the viewer and the sitter are all bending to the norms of photographic language.

To be honest, when I take someone's portrait, I always feel a great sense of responsibility. I identified with Marti's experience photographing children when she first began her career as a photographer; their creativity is something we all desire and strive for in our work. The children I photographed were my greatest teachers.

Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers who may be reading this?

As a documentary photographer, I primarily use available natural light in my portraits. I like to transport my audience to the places and situations as they are, without any additional lighting. Of course, this has its drawbacks, particularly when working on projects or photographing indoors. As a result, I carry lights but only use them when absolutely necessary.

Before taking a portrait, I like to spend some time with people and get to know them; not only are they more relaxed around me, but I will also have all of their information. It is always about collaboration between myself and the person I photograph.

You can learn more about Tatsiana and her work on her website - www.chypsanava.com

Marti Friedlander: Portraits of The Artists runs from the 19th of February 2022 until the 10th of April, 2022. Curated by Leonard Bell and toured by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery