Expressed through photography and film, Face Value conveys the universal intimacy of Ma;ori facial moko (tattoo) through six personal stories.

Seen through the eyes of photographer and multi-media artist Serena Giovanna Stevenson, Face Value draws us into the everyday spaces and profound moments before, during, and after the intensely personal process of ta; moko.Expressed through photography and film, Face Value conveys the universal intimacy of Ma;ori facial moko (tattoo) through six personal stories.

Seen through the eyes of photographer and multi-media artist Serena Giovanna Stevenson, Face Value draws us into the everyday spaces and profound moments before, during, and after the intensely personal process of ta; moko."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," says Serena.

The scenes are of real people in the familiar spaces in and around their homes. They refrain from entering into the history, specific cultural knowledge, or politics of facial ta; moko. We experience the sincerity, human impulse and understanding passing through the eyes of one generation to the next - from grandfather to grandchild, daughter to mother and on and on.

In an otherwise simple capture of people, settings and landscapes - the images reveal themselves to be precious steps along the journey that follows the recipient receiving his or her facial moko, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Serena's first contact with ta; moko artists was fuelled by an urge to contribute to her own community through photography - having travelled overseas on various assignments, her work began to take on a new direction. Since 2000, Face Value has taken Serena on an in-depth journey into Ma;ori culture.

The project has taken Serena to numerous wa;nanga and gatherings throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand as well as to Tahiti Nui, tracing Ma;ori origins in the South Pacific. Stories emerged: working with a wider group of more than 50 people, Serena formed a bond with six individuals who decided to go ahead with their facial moko and invited Serena to engage in the process. Themes of integrity, respect, patience and trust were at the core of Serena's working style.

Based on Serena's empathy and long-term collaboration with the individuals involved, we gain an insight into the personal story and intimate relationship that develops between each recipient (wearer) and ta; moko artist (practitioner). By bringing such private images into a public space, Serena intends to elevate the perception of facial moko and the significance of the relationships that we are witness to.

Showings and productions of Serena's work have reached international audiences through magazines, film festivals, the National Geographic Channel and tattoo festivals in the Pacific and in Europe. However, this is the first time for the exhibition to be shown in its entirety and to a New Zealand audience.

"I wish to use this powerful statement of identity as a metaphor for the celebration of difference and uniqueness to all that view and experience the work" says Serena.

FACE VALUE Photography and film installation by Serena Giovanna Stevenson. 14 February - 7 June 2009 at PATAKA Museum of Arts and Cultures, Porirua.

Image: Turumakina Duleyz (Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngaiterangi, Ngati Hokopu) and niece Ashley Duleyz 2004 (detail)

Face Value

10/02/09