javiyahnikoia-blog

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Process for posters: what worked well? What didn’t?

I added quotes to the posters to provide clarity and emotional resonance for viewers. By incorporating phrases such as "where culture blooms, language flourishes" and "my concern is the preservation of our language," the posters engaged audiences on an intellectual and emotional level, fostering a deeper connection to the cause while lending authenticity and credibility to the campaign's goals.

The process of creating the posters was indeed thought out and was aimed at synthesizing vintage aesthetics with contemporary messaging. Incorporating quotes added depth and clarity to the campaign's message, enhancing its emotional resonance and credibility. The choice of vintage aesthetic proved effective in evoking nostalgia and authenticity, inviting viewers to engage with the campaign on a personal level.

I think one element that could’ve helped make the overall poster better would be to explore the integration of interactive elements or QR codes that link to additional resources or language learning materials which can encourage further engagement with the campaign beyond just viewing the posters.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Inspiration for posters:

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, my journey to create the campaign posters was fueled by a passion for blending timeless aesthetics with contemporary messaging. The vintage Vogue posters provided a blueprint for elegance and sophistication, infusing the design with a sense of refined charm. Meanwhile, the vintage Stussy posters injected a vibrant energy and urban flair, adding a modern twist to the nostalgic vibe. Finally, the Ralph Lauren vintage film-looking posters gave a sense of cinematic grandeur and storytelling, inspiring a narrative-driven approach to the visual presentation.

By synthesizing elements from these iconic influences, I aimed to create posters that transcended mere advertisement, embodying a visual narrative that spoke to the heart of the campaign's message. The result was a fusion of vintage allure and modern relevance, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of cultural rediscovery and language revitalization. Each poster became a timeless artifact, echoing the spirit of the past while paving the way for a vibrant future of cultural resurgence.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Process: What worked well? What didn’t?

The process of taking the photos was a deliberate and thoughtful one, inspired by the desire to capture the intertwined essence of language, culture, and nature. Drawing from Rachel Saidus's influence, I sought out locations where the natural beauty of the land could serve as a backdrop for cultural moments.

What Worked Well:

1. Location Selection: Choosing settings rich in natural beauty and light allowed for the seamless integration of culture and nature in the photographs, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the two elements.

2. Subject Engagement: Engaging with a subject who was deeply connected to his cultural heritage ensured authenticity and emotional resonance in the images, bringing the narrative to life.

3. Symbolism: Incorporating elements such as plants and a Māori flag added layers of symbolism, effectively conveying the themes of growth, resilience, and cultural preservation and revitalisation.

4. Composition: Experimenting with different angles and framing techniques allowed for dynamic compositions that drew the viewer's eye to the focal points of each image, enhancing storytelling.

What I could’ve done to make it better:

1. Clarity of Message: While the photos effectively captured the essence of language, culture, and nature, there could have been a clearer narrative thread running through the series to tie the images together cohesively. For example; could’ve had more props to create a stronger image.

2. Diversity of Perspectives: Including a diverse range of subjects and cultural practices could have enriched the narrative and broadened the representation of community voices.

3. Accessibility: Ensuring that the photos are accessible to all audiences, including those with visual impairments, by incorporating alternative formats to enhance inclusivity and engagement.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Inspiration for my photography:

Rachel Seidus's photography has served as a profound inspiration for my own creative journey. Her ability to capture the essence of cultural identity and connection to the land resonated deeply with me, igniting a passion to explore similar themes in my work.

Seidus's images masterfully portrayed the symbiotic relationship between culture and nature, showcasing the beauty of tradition against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Her use of composition, lighting, and subject matter conveyed a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that left a lasting impression on me.

Rachel Seidus's photographs not only influenced my artistic style but also deepened my understanding of the profound impact that photography can have in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Her legacy continues to inspire me as I strive to create meaningful images that honor and uplift my own community.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Over these past couple of days I’ve been making posters (I had to finish editing all the photos before I could start making them). I want these posters to inspire and uplift not only my people but everyone who views them. I used photography and typography simultaneously to create these posters using Canva. I wanted the photos to not be as bright so I turned the transparency down to 90. I created a border around the photos so it could kind of look like a newspaper article or magazine cover in some way. I also loved these captions as they show the true importance of reclaiming our language (Te Reo Māori). The statements used on both posters are to evoke action. It is there to strike the viewers to start learning and reclaiming their language.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Inspiration for the photoshoot:

For this shoot, I was inspired by these photos and specifically wanted mine to be taken like these. However, I manipulated them to fit the message I am trying to get across to the viewers. I love the artistic expression and use of objects/nature to enhance the beauty of each photo.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Inspiration case study #2:

The Māori party’s campaign posters serve as vital output media, effectively communicating the party’s messages and values to the public. Through visually striking designs and compelling slogans, these posters raise awareness of the party’s presence and promote its candidates during elections and other political endeavours.

I love how direct each message on the poster is and I wanted to use photography and iconography to connect to my audience in a similar way and create a familiar feeling.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Editing process:

Today I edited some photos using Lightroom. For most of the images I did the same thing to give the same overall vibe and changed a few things here and there depending on the different lighting etc.

Examples of what I did was;

• Added a Linear gradient (on some of the photos) which adds extra light from whatever direction you want it to come from

• Added a radial gradient (on some of the photos) to highlight an area or subject to make it stand out more. So it is the main point of focus.

• I put highlights and whites down to soften the glare of the photos

• I put exposure and contrast up to enhance the details and brightness

• I put debate down to soften the overall image

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Photoshoot:

Last night I headed to raglan with some friends to do a photoshoot for this project. When I first thought of the idea of ‘Māori language revitalisation’ I thought of my friend who has a mataora (Māori face tattoo) and immediately wanted him to be apart of my project. So I reached out to him and he was keen to be the model for my photos.

The first part of reclaiming our language is by being connected to our land. So for these photos, I wanted to be in nature. I wanted to capture moments where the land embraces him and he embraces the land simultaneously. We directed at lowlight golden hour/blue hour to get softer tones of light. We started in the ngahere (forest/bush) while the light was higher and then finished on the beach, as the sun was setting.

These photos are the BEFORE photos. I’m currently editing the photos to get the certain vibe I’m going for and hopefully create some magic. Cannot wait to see what I come up with

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Possible media outputs chosen:

• Photography

These photos will capture the raw emotions & capture the intimate relationship between Māori culture, language and the natural environment, emphasising how reconnecting with the land fosters a deeper connection to the language and cultural heritage

• Videography

A video showing the importance of how being connected to the land allows you to reclaim your language

• Campaign Posters

I want to empower and educate everyone who sees them, through the use of text and photos put together to evoke emotion and tell a story

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Inspiration Case Study #1:

These are some of the photos captured from photographers mentioned in my previous post from the exhibit called “refugee”. I love how they are all black and white. This symbolises timelessness, simplicity and emotional depth. By stripping away colour, these images can evoke a sense of stark reality, emphasising the raw emotions and human stories behind each photograph. Additionally, black and white photography can create a sense of nostalgia, prompting viewers to reflect on the historical and ongoing struggles faced by refugees throughout history. Through my photos, I hope to capture the same.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

Case study #1:

Inspiration found from an exhibit called “refugee” which features a collection of photographs that explore the experiences, struggles and resilience of refugees around the world. It’s a platform that uses photography as a medium to shed light on the human stories behind the refugee crisis aiming to foster empathy, understanding, and awareness of this pressing global issue.

[javiyahnikoia-blog]

I have done a brainstorm on what I’m hoping to capture in my project. The topic I have chosen is ‘Māori Language Revitilisation’. I either want to;

1. Address the challenges that come with this

2. Raise awareness of the Māori language being lost

3. Empower my people (Māori people) to re-learn their language and also inspire those who aren’t of Māori descent to learn our reo (language).

Possible Titles:

Te rerenga Hou: The new wave of Māori revival

Ngā tapuwae o te Reo: The footsteps of Māori language recovery

Possible Art forms:

Photography

• Symbolism

• Warm/Earthly Tones

Podcasts

Interviews