Zico O’Neill-Rutene (Ngāti Ira, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu) is a photographer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Zico’s commercial and personal work travels between the space of portraiture and documentary photography. At the heart of his practice is a sense of curiosity and a desire for exploration and personal connection. Being able to immerse himself in someone’s life or craft, or a particular place or community is what he finds most rewarding. Zico takes a considered approach to his work and likes to search out the small details, gestures or expressions that may be missed by a less searching eye – discrete moments in the action of everyday life. He seeks to represent his subjects in a natural and honest way.
