Tinaku is a Te Reo Māori (Māori language) word that translates to "germinate" or "sprout" in English.
The series depicts sprouting kūmara (sweet potato,) which appear levitating, drawn towards the sun by their sprouts, with leaves flourishing in the light.
I see the sprouting kūmara as a metaphor for Aotearoa’s revitalisation of Te Reo Māori.
The mauri (life force) of the growing kūmara.
Kūmara, a way of seeing.
Photography,a way of showing.
Photography is for me a means of meeting people and expressing my love for humans.
I am particularly interested in the talented ones.
The artists, the misfits, the “different” ones.
The round pegs in square holes.
In return, I have been lucky to photograph strong people who shared their weaknesses and beauty with me.
In exchange, I am creating safe spaces to produce images with deep feelings and meaning.
I am a French-born New Zealander [he/him/his] based in Auckland, NZ.
Awards
New Zealand photographer of the year.
2022| Runner-up society and culture.
2011| Runner-up society and culture.
2012| Runner-up society and culture. Highly commended.
London International Creative Competition.
2021| Official selection for ‘Tinaku’.
PX3 Prix de la photograhie in Paris.
2022| Winner (bronze) for ‘Tinaku’.
2021| Honorable mention for ‘Monuments’.
Head On Photo Awards - Australia.
2022| Semi-finalist in the 2022 Head On Portrait Awards.
Exhibited at the Head On Photo Festival, Sydney, Australia
Monovisions Black & White photography.
2022| HM for my portraits of Elin-Heni.
2021| HM for ‘Patriarchy’.
2020| HM for ‘Monuments’.
Tokyo International Foto Awards.
2020| HM Editorial-Photo Essay for ‘Rear window’.
Lens Culture.
2016| lens culture. street photography awards 2016, top 100 for ‘Rear window’.
Mono Awards.
2022| Placed Top 100 in the People category.
