The Oculus
The Oculus is a striking architectural and cultural landmark located at the World Trade Center site in New York City. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this iconic structure, opened in 2016, serves as a major transit hub for PATH trains and connects to multiple NYC subway lines, serving over 250,000 daily commuters. Its distinctive design, resembling a dove or a ribbed skeleton, symbolizing New York City’s resilience and rebirth following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The project, costing $4 billion, faced controversy for budget overruns and delays but remains a striking landmark near the 9/11 Memorial.
The Oculus was envisioned to resemble a dove being released from a child’s hands, with its white steel ribs reaching upward and outward. This design symbolizes peace and hope, reinforcing its role as a memorial to the 9/11 attacks. The building’s central skylight aligns with the sun’s solar angles on September 11 each year, allowing sunlight to illuminate the main hall at key moments associated with the timeline of the attacks. This feature, known as the “Way of Light,” commemorates the tragedy while offering a sense of renewal.
2019 North Shore Salon
Delighted to win a plethora of awards including seven medals at this year’s North Shore Salon! “Don’t enter again please” said one of the volunteers who helped out on the opening night…
“I am very excited to win these prestigious awards” says Ilan. “I am a portrait photographer, so winning both Gold and Silver in the People category is especially meaningful to me. I first entered this wonderful competition in 2010”, says Wittenberg “and it’s a big honour even to get an Acceptance”.
Established in 1995 by the North Shore Photographic Society [NSPS], the North Shore National Salon of Photography aims to promote the art of photography in New Zealand through a respectful and inspiring annual event. Founded in 1954, the NSPS has 150 members ranging from amateurs to professionals and from beginners to experts. Affiliated with the Photographic Society of New Zealand, it is part of a network of photographic clubs and societies across New Zealand. Each year, the Salon has run a competition for New Zealand photographers, with the 2019 Salon attracting 1,800 entries from 600 entrants including members from 33 photographic clubs and societies from Whangarei to Southland and overseas. The Salon convenes independent panels of six selectors to judge entries in various categories such as Impressionism, Scapes, People, Open, Abstract, Fantasy, Street Photography, Monochrome and Colour.
All awarded prints and digital images will be publicly exhibited at Mairangi Arts Centre and all accepted photographs are reproduced in a beautiful printed catalogue. The show is currently exhibited at Mairangi Art Centre until June 17 – entry is free.
Where
Mairangi Bay Art Centre, 20 Hastings Rd, Mairangi Bay, Auckland
When
Mon-Fri 9:30am-4pm
Sat-Sun 10am-2pm
Honours – 2019 North Shore Salon – Open category, digital

