CALL FOR COVER ART SUBMISSIONS Haere ai, Kōrero mai : Let’s go there, let’s talk

Haere ai, Kōrero mai : Let’s go there, let’s talk

Artist: Hinemoa Ranginui

Medium: Archival

Photographic Print

Yes, it is a challenging conversation. But more than this challenge, silence is the adversary. Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s talk about suicide. . Let's start the conversation.

This image represents Mataora or the living face of our ancestors, our precious children as the future. Whakapapa is about the continuation of our lines, if that ceases then so does our whakapapa.

Therefore, it is my hope that we protect our children, sons, daughters of all ages and be aware and alert regarding their emotional and mental health.

My work explores the role of Maori portraiture in our homes and meeting houses. Photographs of tīpuna become treasured taonga and taonga (in the words of Amiria Henare) represent connective tissue between generations. Let us always be reminded of this connection and do our best to remain connected and supportive of our treasures.