Rebecca Swan

Ema and Taaniko

Ema and Taaniko by Rebecca Swan

Artwork Detail

On page 42 of Assume Nothing, Ema states; ‘I identify as Takataapui, which is a word that encompasses all expression of gender and sexuality within queer culture. As I switch I express both male and female aspects of myself and they are not actually separate. They are an integrated expression of who I am.

When my Ta moko was being tattooed, it was part of a deep spiritual awakening. It’s a design that I began to draw when I was nine years old. It symbolises my Whakapapa (genealogy) and my life journey. I had a knowing as a child that one day I would wear this form of Te Moko.’

Title
Ema and Taaniko
Artist/creator
Rebecca Swan
Production date
Unknown
Medium
silver gelatin selenium toned
Dimensions
508 x 610 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of the artist, 2019
Accession no
2019/6/20
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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