Stu Sontier (New Zealand, b. 1959) is a photographer who works experimentally with digital materials, exploring the materiality of photographically derived imagery. His process often uses damaged or obsolete equipment, such as failing inkjet printers and second-hand papers. Born in England, he has lived in New Zealand since he was eight, and is based in Auckland. His work is informed by environmental concerns, including climate change and ecological uncertainty.
Sontier began as a documentary photographer working with traditional silver gelatin printing, shown in group and solo exhibitions and in the book Ink and Silver. He served on the PhotoForum committee from 1996 to 2016 and initiated and managed the organisation's website. In 1993 he collaborated with the artist Jon Carapiet on the HYDRA Project, shown in shop windows and later at the Auckland Public Library. The two continued to work separately and together, showing concurrent exhibitions at Hum Salon, Auckland, in 2019.
