TITLE: Inscribed Identity

During a visit to the village of Hapatoni on the island of Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, we were welcomed by the local community with a traditional performance celebrating their culture and heritage. It was a deeply humbling experience. As we entered the harbour, the sound of a ceremonial horn echoed across the bay as we were welcomed into the village, creating an atmosphere that immediately felt powerful, emotional, and immersive. The entire experience was intensely sensory — filled with music, movement, rhythm, and human connection.

The subject featured in this series stood out through his presence, dignity, and the remarkable visual language of his tattoos. In Marquesan culture, traditional tattoos carry deep meaning and often tell stories connected to family history, ancestry, identity, and personal journey. Through these images, I wanted to focus not only on the visual strength of the markings themselves, but also on the human presence behind them.

Rather than documenting the event in a purely journalistic way, this series explores the relationship between identity, symbolism, ritual, and embodiment. The progression of the images moves from gesture and presence to detail and intimacy, reflecting both the atmosphere of the encounter and the cultural significance carried through the body art.

What stayed with me most from this experience was the openness, kindness, and generosity of the people of Hapatoni, whose welcome made these photographs possible.

AUTHOR: Werner bouwer (South Africa)

For much of my professional life, I have worked as an expedition guide and yacht captain, spending extended periods in remote and culturally unique regions around the world. These experiences have shaped the way I observe people, landscapes, and environments, and naturally led me toward photography.

Photography began as a way to document the places and encounters I experienced through expedition work, but over time it became a more serious personal pursuit. My work is influenced by remote travel, cultural identity, and the connection between people and place.

Working in expedition environments has given me the opportunity to photograph moments and subjects that are often far removed from everyday life. Rather than simply documenting what I see, I try to create images that carry atmosphere, presence, and a sense of connection.