Much of Ricardo's artwork is political: he focuses on providing models, designers, stylists, and other artists of color an opportunity to showcase their own version of American beauty. For this story, though, Ricardo happened to be working a gig in Tahiti and reached out to two of the bellboys from an upscale hotel/resort in Papeete to ask if they would be interested in modeling for a story. Thus was born TE MAU TANE TAHITI (loosely translated as two men from Tahiti or the men of Tahiti). French Polynesia is truly paradise in geographic and marine beauty and the native Tahitian people are even more so in terms of amicability and generosity. Next time you happen to be in Papeete, look up Olivier and Raimana at the InterContinental Hotel. Give them a generous tip. Hire them for a shoot. Their monthly salary is only US $1500.
