Danielle Renata
Hā – Breath of Life
36" x 36"Facemount print
$850
“Ehara taaku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.” My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective. Genesis 2:7 speaks about the breath of life with the creation of Adam. The hā is known as the breath of life. It is what is shared in a hongi, during the pressing of noses and foreheads. It creates a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual connection between people, regardless of age, race, or status. In this image, an ancestor shares this space with her descendant, allowing them both to be present with one another in companionship.
Danielle Renata (1999) was born in Wellington, Aotearoa. Her father is Maaori, and her mother is Indian. After attending Catholic primary and secondary school, Dani sought to explore her identity and culture as it was not readily available in the urban world where she was raised. She discovered a passion for creating connections between her love for her people and for her God. Danielle finds the majority of her inspiration in Te Ao Wairua, a space where faith and belief are valued and encouraged. Her passion lies in the restoration and reclamation of her culture, striving to create a safe space for healing with and for her people.