Now You See Me
About The Project….
Now You See Me – The Endometriosis Empowerment Project is a powerful photographic exhibition raising awareness of endometriosis in New Zealand (Aotearoa) through documentary portrait photography and personal storytelling. Featuring people living with endometriosis from across Aotearoa, the exhibition amplifies lived experiences of this often invisible, misunderstood, and under-recognised chronic illness.
Through intimate portraiture, first-person narratives, and community storytelling, Now You See Me challenges misconceptions about endometriosis and highlights the physical, emotional, and social impact of living with chronic pelvic pain, delayed diagnosis, infertility, fatigue, and other symptoms. The exhibition shines a light on the realities of a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth, while recognising that endometriosis also affects transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.
Centring diverse ages, cultures, bodies, genders, and identities, Now You See Me reflects the true face of endometriosis in Aotearoa. Visitors are invited to engage with powerful stories that foster empathy, reduce stigma, and encourage earlier recognition, better healthcare, and greater public understanding of invisible illnesses.
Created by Ainsley DS Creative in collaboration with Endo Warriors Aotearoa, the exhibition is guided by the principles of manaakitanga, inclusivity, accessibility, and lived experience leadership. Now You See Me aims to spark meaningful conversations about endometriosis, women's health, chronic illness, and health equity while advocating for a future where everyone affected by endometriosis is seen, heard, and believed.
For more information head to https://www.endowarriorsaotearoa.com/now-you-see-me
Wellington Exhibition
Dates: 8–13 September 2026
Opening Hours: TBA
Venue: Thistle Hall Community Gallery, 293 Cuba Street, Wellington
Entry: Free/Koha and open to the public
The Endo Empowerment Project →
Want to be part of the project?
Applications for the current round of photoshoots have closed. Keep an eye out for the second round opening soon.
“One of the most invisible killers of endometriosis is perception. Perception that if you look well, you feel well, that if you’re out and about, you’re not in pain, that if you’re skinny, you’re healthy, if you’re overweight, you’re not. Endo doesn’t have a body type. It doesn’t look a certain way. Ainsley’s photoshoot was the visual demonstration of the many faces and bodies of endometriosis, and the beauty that shines through in all of us; scars, stretch marks and all. Standing in the sun, exposing our bodies in their most raw, vulnerable form, was an invitation to remember that we all have a story to tell. In sickness and in health, we are most powerful when we stand together in the light.”
– Steffy
Get In Touch
Have a question about Now You See Me, want to share your story, discuss bringing the exhibition to your community, or explore working together? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a participant, organisation, venue, media representative or simply someone who wants to help make the invisible un-ignorable, get in touch.
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