NZ Visual Diary - entry 311

K Road storefront series2 - Splendid Photo

The sidewalk and store window of Splendid Photo is emblematic of K Road’s expansive cultural umbrella.

Moving into the photograph we find a metal street art sculpture in the foreground. The repetition of the ‘X’ pattern is likely an echo of a Māori weaving form, the tukutuku latticework used to decorate meeting houses. The art work is an interesting blend of modern and indigenous iconography. Behind the sculpture is the back rest portion of a wooden sidewalk bench.

In marked contrast, the unadorned store window is classic 1950s conventional culture, with its raft of discarded film containers, retro Kodak film sign and potpourri offerings of disposable cameras and picture display accessories.

The store offers a full array of film processing and printing services. The shop celebrates the recent resurgence of analog (film) photography.