Coming Soon [30 April - 7 August, 2005]

Long Live the King!
Long Live the King is a sequined celebration of devotion to the hip-swivelling, toe-tapping, smokey-eyed memory of Elvis Presley.

This exhibition of work by Wellington photographer John Savage is part of his on-going photo-documentary project which draws on material shot during "Death Week" in Memphis in 2002 and 2004 (officially known as "Elvis Week", this is an annual celebration of Presley's life and music.)Coming Soon [30 April - 7 August, 2005]

Long Live the King!
Long Live the King is a sequined celebration of devotion to the hip-swivelling, toe-tapping, smokey-eyed memory of Elvis Presley.

This exhibition of work by Wellington photographer John Savage is part of his on-going photo-documentary project which draws on material shot during "Death Week" in Memphis in 2002 and 2004 (officially known as "Elvis Week", this is an annual celebration of Presley's life and music.)From the intense, obsessive fans; smartly-suited "Elvii" (aka the tribute artists) who channel the King's message; the formalized ceremony of the stage performance; elaborate shrines; ubiquitous iconography; pilgrimages to Graceland; and an endless supply of kitsch relics and memorabilia...this is a subject rich in visual imagery and religious fervour.

Moreover, Elvis' memory and life is intimately tied to the American Dream and all that comes with that cultural package: devotion to God, country and celebrity.

The Dowse is located at 57 Laings Road, Lower Hutt (1 minutes walk from Queensgate). Our website is www.dowse.org.nz