Tatau: Marks of Polynesia
Tatau: Marks of Polynesia is a new exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum that explores the beauty of Samoan tatau, one of the world’s most distinctive living tattoo traditions.
Through photographs taken in the studio and on location in Samoa and elsewhere, Tatau showcases the work of traditional Samoan tattoo masters alongside that of younger practitioners working within and influenced by the tradition today.
Tatau is curated by master tattoo artist and author, Takahiro “Ryudaibori” Kitamura, in collaboration with John Agcaoili, photographer; Sulu‘ape Steve Looney and Danielle Steffany-Looney of Pacific Soul Tattoo in Hawai‘i; Sean Mallon, author and Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; and Sulu‘ape Si‘i Liufau of A-Town Tattoo in Garden Grove, CA.
Visit janm.org for more information.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Su‘a Sulu‘ape Alaiva‘a Petelo. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Sulu‘ape Steve Looney. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Su‘a Sulu‘ape Paul Jr.. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Su‘a Sulu‘ape Peter. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tattoo by Su‘a Sulu‘ape Peter. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Mike Fatutoa. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Allek Gaoay. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Sulu‘ape Si‘i Liufau. Photo by John Agcaoili.
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- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. Tattoo by Sulu‘ape Steve Looney. Photo by John Agcaoili.
