Michael Krzanich
Someone's Mana
Someone's Mana is a highly collectable photo book with 75 images, poetry and text from renown New Zealand artists and writers. In 2016 three men born in Turanganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne) in New Zealand produced this stunning book that contemplates the mystical and varied meanings of ‘mana’ in contemporary New Zealand. Michael Krzanich, Haare Williams and Witi Ihimaera collaborated to create visual and poetic content that reminds the reader of the deeply spiritual nature of the mana, and that it has a place in the life of whoever we are. ‘Mana’ can be defined as a supernatural force in a person, place, or object. An important aspect of Māori culture, mana can be measured as influence, authority, charisma, or spiritual power. Whether inherited or achieved through many complex means, it can also diminish. Krzanich asks us to imagine what entity and type of mana is represented within the carefully chosen perspective of each photograph. Together with Māori and English poetry by artist and Māori cultural advisor, Haare Williams, and the editorial guidance of eminent Māori writer Witi Ihimaera, we are moved to consider how and where mana might exist within each image.