Xposure 2025 highlights Michael Bradley’s work on Māori heritage in NZ

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

New Zealand photographer Michael Bradley’s powerful project Puaki is being showcased at the 9th International Photography Festival, Xposure 2025. This unique exhibition highlights the history, loss, and revival of tā moko—the sacred facial tattoos of the Māori people.

For centuries, tā moko was a symbol of identity, heritage, and strength in Māori culture. However, due to colonial rule, many Māori people stopped wearing these traditional markings. In old photographs taken by European settlers, the tattoos often faded or disappeared completely due to early photographic techniques. This visual erasure mirrored how colonialism tried to suppress Māori traditions. But today, tā moko is making a strong comeback, and Bradley has spent years capturing this resurgence through photography.

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A Four-Year Journey to Restore a Legacy

Bradley’s journey began with a simple idea—to photograph modern-day tā moko wearers. He thought it would take just six months, but the project grew into a deep and meaningful four-year collaboration with the Māori community. His work, Puaki (a Māori word meaning "to come forth, show itself, emerge"), tells the stories of people reclaiming their heritage through their tattoos.

He didn’t just take pictures—he listened. He made sure that each person featured in Puaki had the chance to share their story in their own words. “At the heart of this project is the people. Puaki isn’t just about tattoos. It’s about identity, history, and pride,” Bradley shared.

The Power of Photography: Past and Present

What makes Puaki unique is the way Bradley combines two very different photography styles. He used an old method called wet plate collodion photography—one of the earliest forms of photography. This technique requires a portable darkroom, and each image must be developed within 15 minutes. This method was commonly used in the 19th century, and in those historical photos, tā moko often faded or disappeared completely.

To contrast this, Bradley also took modern digital photos of the same people. The result? A striking side-by-side comparison. The wet plate images show the struggles of the past, while the digital ones highlight the strength and pride of today’s Māori people. “The old technique erased their tattoos. I wanted to bring them back,” Bradley explained.

More Than Just Photos: Giving Voices to the Māori

Puaki is more than just a photography project—it is a social documentary. Bradley didn’t want the images to speak for themselves. Instead, he included video interviews where each person tells their story. “These people needed to be heard in their voices,” he said.

Building trust was the most important part of this journey. As a Pākehā (non-Māori), Bradley knew he had to approach the project with care and respect. He spent time working closely with the Māori community to ensure their traditions were honored. “I wasn’t just taking photos. I was learning, listening, and working together with the people who wear tā moko today,” he shared.

A Global Impact

The response to Puaki has been overwhelming, both in New Zealand and around the world. People who see the exhibition are deeply moved. Many have said it inspired them to learn more about tā moko and Māori culture. Bradley hopes his work will continue to spark conversations about identity and heritage.

“I want people to understand that culture isn’t something frozen in time. It grows, it changes, and it survives,” he said. “Puaki is about bringing something back that was almost lost. It’s about showing the strength of the Māori people today.”

At Xposure 2025, Bradley’s exhibition stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Māori culture and the importance of reclaiming identity. His photographs ensure that tā moko will never be erased again.

Feb. 23, 2025 3:02 p.m. 421

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