Photographer captures the wonders of Rapa Nui

The Moais, monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) people about 600 years ago, were featured in the Hawkes Bay Fotofest 2023, which launched over the weekend.

Photographer, mother and teacher from Chile, Maribel Pottstock Riffo says capturing the sunrise was one of the reasons she was drawn to Rapa Nui.

“Tongariki [where the stone carvings are] is chosen as one of the five most important places in the world to photograph the sunrise,” she says.

“I have always been interested in Easter Island and its mysteries. The year 2001 was the first time I had the opportunity to travel. I was very curious and anxious to be in front of the Moais, those figures that since I was a child felt an attraction or connection. The island is a unique and special place on our planet.”

Pottstock Riffo says Chileans can be conservative when it comes to experiencing other cultures, but for her, living and working in Kirikiriroa while her 10-year-old son Diego goes to school, means they have been able to discover more indigenous stories and Māori customs in Aotearoa.

Maribel Pottstock Riffo at Rapa Nui.

“My son w​ants to be an artist like his mum!”

She says exhibiting in New Zealand is special because, “being able to be in a country where diverse cultures, religions, races and customs are valued and respected” is important.

“Few people have the opportunity to know Rapa Nui and that is why through my images I wanted to bring a little of Rapa Nui to the world and give them the opportunity to see those beautiful landscapes.”

After a few follow-up visits to Chilean friends in Rapa Nui, she says: “One day I let my imagination fly with my camera, I wandered among the herds of semi-wild horses, among the stars, among all that free and hidden nature of the world and I went in search of the magical and spiritual sunrises that I wanted to show the world, this is how ‘NUI OTEA’ [her photo series] came to be.”

Born in Santiago, Pottstock Riffo has held exhibitions in several South American countries, specialising in documentary photography.

“Being part of Fotofest is a great opportunity to show and give value to Polynesian culture and its great contribution as well as sharing this wonderful art with other great and talented New Zealand photographers.

“I’ve had many beautiful experiences, but one that is very special for me and that I recommend to all travelers is to wait for dawn at the altar or ‘Ahu of Tongariki’ it is the largest and most important, it is that of the fifteen Moais, first be in complete darkness under that sky and its millions of stars, to then see how those first rays of sun appear from the sea and how those large stone sculptures are gradually illuminated ... you are left speechless!

“I hope to have the opportunity to continue holding exhibitions of collective preference, uniting the views of various photographers. I believe that through photography we can help disseminate various topics of importance to society, it is an irreplaceable art form.”

Fotofest is on in Hastings City until September 25.