Preserving the practice of TA moko

TAIA O MOKO, HAI HOA MATENGA

"Your tattoo will be with you forever"

All images are copyright to the Artist

ABOUT

Julie has been at the forefront of developments in Māori Arts since the mid 1980s focusing on Tā moko Māori skin marking traditions since 1990.

She has played a significant role in restoring the place of Tā moko in the health and well-being of Māori, particularly for wāhine Māori.

PROCESS

Find out where, when and how to connect with Julie to create your own personalised Tā moko that will become your unique expression of cultural belonging, pride and whakapapa.

Lets begin this journey together.

Credit: Written and directed by Angie-Pepper O'Bomsawin

Julie Paama-Pengelly, Skindigneous, Season 2 Episode 7

Julie Paama-Pengelly is a veteran in the revitalisation of tā moko Māori tattooing. Her studio Art + Body in Mount Maunganui was established in 2012 and combines contemporary and customary cultural designs, growing and cultivating artists from all walks of life.

With expansive teaching experience, her art practice ranges from the use of symbolic imagery to pure abstraction in graphic design, painting, mixed media, and tattooing. Over time many questions have surfaced about who has the right to wear and practice tā moko and as one of the first women to practice in the male-dominated field Julie has emerged as a strong voice for Māori women’s rights in establishing their own unique place in tā moko and in ngā Toi Māori.