KO MANA A IA

The Manaia is a messenger between Te ao Marama(the natural world) and Rarohenga(the spirit world), it symbolises a guardian or a representation of the presence of our tipuna(ancestors). These artworks are modern depictions of Manaia, each pose is directly inspired by Manaia seen in carved poupou from various Marae I have visited throughout Aotearoa. ‘KO MANA A IA’ represents a celebration of the flow of one's identity. Each line that runs through these bodies tells a story of self discovery. ‘KO MANA A IA’ can also be interpreted as the power in exploring and smashing the boundaries between the gender binary.