“The images highlight the strength of human-to-human connections and how this deeply personal contact is essential in the exchange of facial moko. They signify how unity in the world is impossible if we do not celebrate who we are and are confined to judging each other by face value alone.” Serena Stevenson
I started the Face Value project in 2000, after a year of traveling and photographing a number of cultural social documentary stories. One of my aims was to counteract the stereotypical portrayals of Māori wearing ‘fierce’ facial tattoos by popular culture and the international media, which repeatedly highlighted a public misrepresentation of the art from. I was not interested in the generic context of moko, nor in the history or politics of the process. I am neither an anthropologist nor an academic specialising in such things. My intention was to find out what the traditional facial tattoo meant to the individual and how it came about in this fast changing world.
These images are personal, with each subject sharing knowledge pertaining to their experience with the moko. I have discovered there are political and cultural issues attached to the idea of what moko is today, and the points of view are varied depending on age, gender, tribal affiliation, knowledge and personal experience.
However, the subjects did not choose to discuss regional differences, political acts or approval from elders. Instead, we talked about their uniquely personal and special experience. The work is about the relationship between the artist and the recipient; it is about the individual’s connection to their personal reasons for taking on the facial moko.
I have spent eight years working closely with the people featured and with many others. I feel reassured they all appreciate how their stories are represented. This has been achieved by building trust, taking time and paying attention to detail in the communication process and by the mutual respect that developed. It was a great privilege to be able to photograph and film these events. (36 Framed photographs and a 40 minute film.)
Please email me on [email protected] if you’d like to view the 40 min film installation or are interested in showing the exhibition.
Face Value is an artist initiated project, supported by Pataka Museum of Arts & Cultures. Toured throughout New Zealand Museums and galleries. Part screening at the De Young Museum Fransisco, and three images hold place as permanent exhibition at the Scotland National Museum. Film 'Moko Art of Nature' has screened World wide on the National Geographic Chanel.
I started the Face Value project in 2000, after a year of traveling and photographing a number of cultural social documentary stories. One of my aims was to counteract the stereotypical portrayals of Māori wearing ‘fierce’ facial tattoos by popular culture and the international media, which repeatedly highlighted a public misrepresentation of the art from. I was not interested in the generic context of moko, nor in the history or politics of the process. I am neither an anthropologist nor an academic specialising in such things. My intention was to find out what the traditional facial tattoo meant to the individual and how it came about in this fast changing world.
These images are personal, with each subject sharing knowledge pertaining to their experience with the moko. I have discovered there are political and cultural issues attached to the idea of what moko is today, and the points of view are varied depending on age, gender, tribal affiliation, knowledge and personal experience.
However, the subjects did not choose to discuss regional differences, political acts or approval from elders. Instead, we talked about their uniquely personal and special experience. The work is about the relationship between the artist and the recipient; it is about the individual’s connection to their personal reasons for taking on the facial moko.
I have spent eight years working closely with the people featured and with many others. I feel reassured they all appreciate how their stories are represented. This has been achieved by building trust, taking time and paying attention to detail in the communication process and by the mutual respect that developed. It was a great privilege to be able to photograph and film these events. (36 Framed photographs and a 40 minute film.)
Please email me on [email protected] if you’d like to view the 40 min film installation or are interested in showing the exhibition.
Face Value is an artist initiated project, supported by Pataka Museum of Arts & Cultures. Toured throughout New Zealand Museums and galleries. Part screening at the De Young Museum Fransisco, and three images hold place as permanent exhibition at the Scotland National Museum. Film 'Moko Art of Nature' has screened World wide on the National Geographic Chanel.