Lisa Marie Reihana: A Biography

Early Life and Career

• Born: 1964 in Auckland, New Zealand.
• Lisa Marie Reihana is a multi-disciplinary artist whose career began in the 1990s.
• She quickly established herself as an influential figure within contemporary art and specifically, contemporary Māori art in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Her early work laid the foundation for her exploration of complex themes relating to identity, history, and cultural representation.

Artistic Development & Style

• Reihana’s practice spans a diverse range of media including film, sculpture, costume, body adornment, text, and photography.
• Key Characteristics: Her style is marked by high production values and a unique blend of traditional Māori aesthetics with contemporary techniques.
• She often employs portraiture as a means to investigate these themes, creating visually striking and conceptually rich artworks.
• Reihana’s work demonstrates a keen attention to the complexities of photographic and cinematic languages.

Notable Works

• digital marae: Exhibited at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth, New Zealand. This work explores concepts of space, gathering, and cultural exchange.
• mai i te aroha, ko te aroha: Showcased at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand. It delves into themes of love, loss, and connection.
• in Pursuit of Venus [infected]: A large-scale video installation that represented New Zealand at the 2017 Venice Biennale. This ambitious project reimagines a historical painting and explores colonial narratives from a Pacific perspective.
• Other significant works include Maui and Te Wai Ngunguru - Nomads of the Sea.

Influences & Historical Significance

• Reihana’s work is influenced by Māori traditions, storytelling, and visual culture.
• She draws inspiration from historical archives, colonial documentation, and contemporary social issues.
• Impact: Reihana has significantly impacted the development of contemporary art in New Zealand, challenging conventional perspectives and promoting greater cultural understanding.
• Her representation at the Venice Biennale brought international recognition to Māori art and its unique contribution to global artistic discourse.

Major Achievements & Exhibitions

• Represented New Zealand at the 2017 Venice Biennale with in Pursuit of Venus [infected].
• Exhibited internationally, including at the Royal Academy in London (Oceania exhibition).
• Participated in Pacific Sisters: Fashion Activists at Te Papa Tongarewa.
• Her work is held in prominent collections such as the Christchurch Art Gallery.