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 Manava - has multiple meanings associated with the physical, and the spiritual politics of the body, specifically the Samoan/Oceanic body. The term translates to stomach, which points to the mid area of the body where we breathe and give/hold life. Manava also means ‘to breathe’. Within the term, there’s further phrases that connects the physical body to the environment or space (nature) and to the spiritual world. ‘Mana’ refers to the spirit/energy held within our bodies, and ‘Va’ speaks to the in-between space(s)/energies of the physical and the spiritual realms. These photographs represent the self-determination of the Pacific body, specifically my own, as a Samoan womxn in this political, environmental and social climate.

Jasmine Tuia:mānava (2)

Manava - has multiple meanings associated with the physical, and the spiritual politics of the body, specifically the Samoan/Oceanic body. The term translates to stomach, which points to the mid area of the body where we breathe and give/hold life. Manava also means ‘to breathe’. Within the term, there’s further phrases that connects the physical body to the environment or space (nature) and to the spiritual world. ‘Mana’ refers to the spirit/energy held within our bodies, and ‘Va’ speaks to the in-between space(s)/energies of the physical and the spiritual realms. These photographs represent the self-determination of the Pacific body, specifically my own, as a Samoan womxn in this political, environmental and social climate.

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