Ra Savage

Ko Putauaki taku maunga

Ko Ohinemataroa taku awa

Ko Mataatua taku waka

Ko Ngatiawa taku iwi

Ko Ngatihikakino taku hapu

Ko Puawairua taku marae

Ko Ra Savage taku ingoa.

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa

Ko Ra Savage taku ingoa

No Tairongo (Ohiwa) ahau

Age: 24

Nationality: Maori and Tauiwi

Iwi: NgatiAwa, Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngaiterangi, Te Whakatohea, Te Arawa

So what do you say about yourself when someone asks you to write a bio? This is about my ninth attempt and I just can’t seem to find words that don’t sound false and contrived, or else like some lame personal ad…

And so now I’m thinking to myself, why? Why is it so damn hard for me to write about myself?

Is it because I don’t know who I am? Am I confused about my roots, about my culture, about my identity?

Or is it that I don’t want to say something that will cause people to put me in a box and label me something like “Semi-well Educated Part Maori Female Smoker”

I don’t know.

And I think that’s why I was drawn to the Babel Project. Because it’s a chance to talk to others who question things like identity, stereotypes, social expectations/ideals/apathy, etc etc.

And to be able to learn and discuss and communicate these ideas through art? Well now that just sounds like a mighty fine idea.

So lets begin this process….

"Ma rongo, ma tu"

"Action can be taken through peaceful means, but also through forceful means"

"It is not difference that immobilizes us, but silence"

- Audre Lorde

GALLERY

Some of my bursary pieces from aaaages ago....

Bursary 1