A selection of striking photographs of children in Aotearoa from the late 19th century to the 21st century, including works by Marti Friedlander, Ans Westra, Laurence Aberhart, Anne Noble, Bruce Connew, Russ Flatt and Tia Ranginui.

Children, and those fleeting years of growing up, are richly represented in photography around the world. We Are Young brings together images of children, from early studio stagings and ‘family photos’ to contemporary portraits.

Children are richly represented in photography around the world. We Are Young presents imagery ranging from studio photographs and street photography to collaborative contemporary portraiture. Many of the photographers have pointed their cameras at family, where photographer-subject dynamics can offer a strong psychological dimension. Amidst shifting ethics around the use of photography and the compelling qualities of the child as subject, We Are Young offers insight into how children have been portrayed and engaged with by photographers across different cultural moments.

Courtesy of the artist, Edith Amituanai, and anna miles gallery