Step into the rich legacy of Moko kanohi (facial markings), a cherished tradition carried proudly by Māori through the ages. Join us at the community-driven exhibition, Kanohi kitea: The Seen Face, hosted at The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū. Through the artistic vision of Louisa Paul (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Rangiwewehi), this exhibition weaves a compelling narrative of Moko kanohi in Te Tauihu.
Kanohi kitea: The Seen Face is a celebration of the revitalization of this endangered cultural practice. It pays homage to the dedicated individuals who have breathed new life into this art form, reclaiming their heritage and cultural bonds.
keelan walker, Te Karaka/Cape Campbell
By bridging past and present, the exhibition presents contemporary portraits of individuals adorned with moko, alongside their supportive families and friends who have been part of their transformative journeys. The stories of the past come alive through nineteenth-century portraits of revered ancestors, shedding light on the enduring significance of moko kanohi in Te Tauihu (the upper South Island). Complementing this historical narrative are ancient tattooing chisels – uhi – on loan from the Nelson Provincial Museum.
melissa banks, mokopapa
The deep connection between Moko kanohi and the land finds expression in Robin Slow's artwork, which captures Mohua (Golden Bay) and the sacred Waikoropupū Springs of Tākaka. Keelan Walker's breathtaking aerial photograph of the local landscape further underscores the profound link between facial markings and their place of origin.
Kanohi kitea: The Seen Face masterfully intertwines these diverse elements, encouraging reflection on the past, present, and dynamic future of this evolving art form. As you explore the exhibition, you'll be both inspired and enlightened, gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of Moko kanohi in the fabric of Māori culture.
About the organiser: Louisa Paul (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Rangiwewehi)
I have been blessed to be surrounded by beautiful, creative and talented people all my life and continue to do so. Having been raised in Te Tauihu, I’ve been able to explore many opportunities that encourage one’s creativity. Unknowingly, my Aunty Shirl planted the raranga (weaving) seed which continues to flourish and grow within me. All my acknowledgements go to those who have impacted, encouraged, and supported my artistic side.
Having previously curated the successful He Raranga kōrero (weaving stories) exhibition I was reminded how many talented weavers we have and that raranga is safe within our rohe (area). The opportunity arose to organise a further iwi-led exhibition at The Suter Art Gallery. Moko kanohi has always intrigued me and it has taken many years to shift my biases and judgements surrounding this taonga. I’ve been a fence-sitter myself: ‘Shall I? Nah, not yet, to yes, I'm ready, and then, no, I'm not’. The decision to receive moko has eluded me for now.
The name of the exhibition Kanohi kitea (the seen face) is somewhat a play on words, as it not only refers to the known, often seen faces within our communities, it also refers to when our mau moko (receivers of moko) see their face for the first time with moko. That is a point of recognition, a ' there you are, I've seen you before - you belong', moment. It is also when the kai moko (an artist who gives) is able to see your moko on you as they are applying it.
Is moko kanohi thriving in our place of Te Tauihu? What decisions are made when receiving one? Unlike other cultural taonga, the moko kanohi cannot be packed away or covered up when the wearer so chooses to: it is with them for life and often the first marker of identity onlookers will see. It is a proud warrior move.
Come celebrate some of our cultural ambassadors who have made that step in the receiving of moko. They are parents, professionals, leaders, and members of our community: they are us.
To all our mau moko whānau out there, kei te mihi kei te mihi kei te mihi.
