SARA TAUTUKU ORME
AHI, BRAEMAR SPRINGS, TE WAIU O PUKEMAIRE
FROM THE SERIES KO AU TE AWA, TE AWA KO AU. (I AM THE RIVER, AND THE RIVER IS ME)
Ko au te awa, te awa ko au, is part of my ongoing kaupapa exploring connection with whanau, whenua, and wairua. My work is rooted in the layered landscape, with whanau at the centre of my portrait medium. It’s a constant exploration between the physical relationship and our spiritual world.
Our awa is a taonga towards identity and is the mauri for tangata whenua. Water in its purest form has the ability to give life and to create a deeper connection between our physical, natural, and psychological worlds. Immersion in water can be as powerful as prayer; it's a moment to let the awa strip us bare…And bathe us in silence.
Ahi is enveloped in a layered landscape of her own karakia, immersed in her awa, her maunga near, and her tupuna all around. She embraces her own mana motuhake: “Braemar Springs, Te Waiu o Pukemaire, is my special place where these waters heal me." I am deeply connected with myself and my whenua around me; my maunga, my awa, and my wairua feel cleansed when I am here. My karakia, the silence..and all is forgiven”
ABOUT SARA
Ko Putauaki toku maunga
Ko Rangitaiki toku awa
Ko Mātaatua toku waka
Ko Ngāti Awa toku iwi (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Whākaue)
Ko Ngāi Tamaoki toku hapu
Ko Ruaihona toku marae
Ko Tautuku whanau
No TeTeko ahau
Kei Tāmaki Makaurau toku kainga inainai
Ko Arapeta Orme toku papa
Ko Hera/Sara toku ingoa
Sara Tautuku Orme (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tarawhai, Ngāti Whakaue) uncovers the daily life of human experience around her. The diversity in her personal life, referencing both feminism and biculturalism, forms the basis of her photographic practice. She continues to traverse the lines between commissioned and self-initiated documentary and portrait projects.
Sara has over 25 years of experience as a pioneering female photographer in the 'lifestyle/fashion/portrait' advertising space in Aotearoa, creating brand campaigns both locally and internationally.
She loves that her busy and colourful world is reflected in the diverse range of work she creates. Having worked with some of the largest and smallest brands and agencies, NGOs and small communities, celebrities and presidents, fashion models, and everyday people, Sara knows that her Kaupapa will be rich and meaningful. She also co-founded and worked as creative director for a forward-thinking global skincare company, providing her with valuable 'other side' experience. Sara has received numerous awards and has been featured in group exhibitions, panels, artist talks, and notable interviews in Aotearoa, Australia, and New York.
Her point of view is a tribute to her Kainga.