Page 43 - IB December 2024

Culture Culture

By Rowena Singh

William Sauaso-Rasch is an extraordinary young
photographer who is already making waves in the art world
with his powerful work, deeply rooted in his Samoan culture.
At just 16 years old, he’s not only a talented photographer
but also the head boy at Papatoetoe High School in Auckland,
New Zealand, balancing his academic responsibilities with a
passion for capturing the essence of his heritage. Through his
lens, he interprets and reclaims his cultural identity, blending
personal history with artistic expression.
William’s story is an inspiring reminder that young people,
especially those from underrepresented communities, have
the power to create meaningful change through art. His
photography is not only a tool for self-expression, but also
a means of honouring and sharing the beauty of his Samoan
heritage with the world.
William Sauaso-Rasch is an extraordinary young photographer
Background and Inspiration
Sauaso-Rasch’s cultural roots lie in the Samoan villages of
Saoluafata Solaua, Vailuutai, and Sapapali’i, with a unique artistic vision to life.
mix of Samoan, Chinese, and German ancestry. His love for
photography was sparked when he won a primary school Cultural identity and community impact
competition. That early victory marked the beginning of a Through his photography, Sauaso-Rasch seeks to make
journey into the power of visual storytelling. Samoans—and other Pacific communities—feel seen and heard.
A key inspiration has been his Samoan teacher, Timo His goal is not only to showcase the beauty of his culture, but
Morisa, whose event photography, particularly weddings also to inspire others, especially those from underrepresented
and birthdays, deeply influenced William’s appreciation for backgrounds, to pursue their passions, no matter their age
capturing genuine, candid moments. Sauaso-Rasch’s work has or background. He views his work as a way of reclaiming his
since been exhibited at prestigious venues like the Auckland identity and empowering others to do the same.
Art Gallery and the Te Papa Museum in Wellington, showcasing Sauaso-Rasch’s photo series carries the weight of Samoan
his potential as a photographer and artist. values and ideals - strength, unity, and respect for tradition.
This deep connection to his cultural roots has resonated with
His process many in his community, making them feel seen through his
Sauaso-Rasch is not one for strict planning. Instead, he work, even if the images aren’t explicitly about them.
prefers to work organically, allowing the moment and the
environment to shape his creations. This flexible approach Challenges and future goals
has led him to some of his most powerful images, especially Like many aspiring photographers, Sauaso-Rasch has faced
those that incorporate his culture. One of his standout works challenges with technical aspects of photography, especially
involved him posing with a siap (traditional Samoan tapa adjusting to different cameras and settings. His focus now is
cloth) and ula nifo (a necklace made from whale bone), on continuing to develop his skills and expanding his creative
symbolising both the weight and beauty of his heritage. horizons. In the future, he hopes to turn his photography into
The shoot was a collaborative effort with his friends, who a business, offering both personal and event photography
helped with the practical aspects of the shoot - adjusting services.
settings, positioning, and even acting as human tripods. Sauaso-Rasch is also keen on exploring other cultures
“So I got my siapu, I got my big mat that you’ve seen in the through his lens. While his Samoan identity is central to his
photo,” says Sauaso-Rasch. “And I got my attire, so I got my work, he plans to branch out and capture the beauty of other
necklace that you also see which is called an ula nifo and I Pacific cultures, including Tongan, Cook Islander, Fijian, and
got dressed, they (friends) helped me get dressed, they put more.
on oil, they did all of those things that I needed for the photo For other young photographers, especially those from
shoot and so when I went to go pose, I also had my friend take underrepresented backgrounds, Sauaso-Rasch’s advice is
the photo, so I would go and adjust the settings every now straightforward yet impactful: “Do you.”
and then.”
For Sauaso-Rasch, photography is very much a communal You can follow William’s photography journey on Instagram at
experience, with those close to him helping to bring his @w.sauasorasch

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