Inspired by Women with Malu series

Who?

Hi, kia ora, bula vinaka, talofa lava, malo e lelei!

My name is Maria Philp. I’m a graphic artist and photographer, of Samoan, Tongan and Fijian heritage, based in Auckland, Aotearoa. My work spans across different cultural viewpoints.

What?

The significance of the malu (female specific tattoo of the Samoan culture) has changed over the years. Many people have interpreted it in their own way according to their values and experiences. This exploratory series (that I started working on mid 2019), is inspired by my mother who has been a strong female figure for myself. She received her malu in 2005 as well as the title 'Tiumalu’ in 2008. Growing up, my mother’s malu has been my most fondest symbol of her. 

That symbol grew to bear the qualities of leadership, protection and pride as well as unconditional love and support - all in which I have received in abundance. This is why I have chosen to use it’s motifs in my art. The motifs form a broken box. This is to signify breaking free from gender roles and promoting acceptance amongst all cultures.

I started exhibiting these artworks in June 2019, so want to further continue to build upon this series.

How your funding could help?

In order to complete this project I would very much appreciate funding for printing and framing costs. To extend the series even further, using special paints/ink and special stock paper for experimentation in efforts to achieve an analog as well as traditional representation.