Masina le Sogi (Moon Scent)

Masina le Sogi (Moon Scent) combines emblematic motifs deriving from Samoan tatau, or tattoo, siapo, or barkcloth, and tautai, or navigation. These traditions are woven together to form a visual narrative about the celebrated Samoan legend of Sina and Tuna. As the artist explains: ‘Sina is both the moon and the most powerful love goddess in Polynesia. Tuna is an earthling who becomes obsessed with her and as a result gives up his canoe. Through this endless darkness he gazes at Sina, waiting for his love to be reciprocated. His efforts are in vain – Sina never returns his love and Tuna has to be content with just the scent of her.’ This painting is a map of a night scene which describes the difficulty of love. Here, the desire for a relationship is evoked by male longing.

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