Hey there! If you’re into art, media, or just love hearing about inspiring women who’ve left their mark on the world, you’re in for a treat today. Let’s dive into the incredible journey of Lisa Reihana, a name that resonates deeply in New Zealand’s art scene and beyond. Known for her groundbreaking work in video, multimedia, and cultural storytelling, Lisa Reihana has become a trailblazer, blending technology with tradition to create art that speaks to both the heart and the mind. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s explore why she’s such a big deal!
Who Is Lisa Reihana?
Born in 1964 in Auckland, New Zealand, Lisa Reihana is a Māori artist of Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Hine descent, which plays a huge role in her creative identity. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she was exposed to Māori traditions early on, and that influence shines through in her work. After studying at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Lisa kicked off her career with a passion for pushing boundaries. She’s not your typical artist—she’s all about mixing old-school Māori narratives with cutting-edge technology, and that’s what makes her stand out.
If you’re wondering what kind of art she does, think beyond paintings on a canvas. Lisa’s work spans video installations, digital media, and even photography, often telling stories that connect New Zealand’s past with its present. Her ability to weave cultural heritage into modern formats has earned her a spot as one of the country’s most innovative artists.
The Game-Changer: In Pursuit of Venus [infected]
Let’s talk about her masterpiece—In Pursuit of Venus [infected]. This isn’t just an artwork; it’s a cultural phenomenon! Unveiled in 2015 and later showcased at the 2017 Venice Biennale, where New Zealand proudly represented her, this panoramic video installation reimagines a 19th-century French scenic wallpaper called Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique. But Lisa didn’t just copy it—she flipped the script.
The original wallpaper romanticized Pacific cultures, often through a colonial lens, but Lisa’s version tells a different story. Using high-definition video and motion-capture technology, she brings to life a dynamic narrative featuring Māori, Polynesian, and other Pacific peoples. You’ll see warriors, dancers, and everyday moments, all set against a scrolling backdrop of lush landscapes. What’s cool is how she includes both harmony and conflict, hinting at the impact of European contact—think trade, disease, and cultural clashes—without sugarcoating it.
This piece took years to create, involving a team of artists, actors, and tech wizards. It’s interactive too—viewers can walk around it, experiencing the story from different angles. When it debuted at the Biennale, it blew people away, earning rave reviews and putting New Zealand art on the global map. If you ever get a chance to see it, trust me, it’s a mind-blowing experience!
Breaking Barriers in Media and Art
Lisa Reihana isn’t just about one big project—she’s consistently pushed the envelope in how art and media intersect. Her work often explores themes like identity, colonization, and gender, which resonate with so many people. Take her earlier piece, Digital Marae (2001), for example. This multimedia installation turned a traditional Māori meeting ground into a digital space, blending virtual reality with cultural symbolism. It was a bold move at the time and showed the world that Māori stories could thrive in new formats.
She’s also known for Tai Whetuki – House of Death Redoubled (2015), a haunting video that reinterprets a Māori legend about a house cursed by death. Using 3D mapping and projections, she transformed a physical space into a living narrative, making viewers feel like they’re part of the story. This kind of innovation has made her a pioneer in using technology to preserve and reinterpret indigenous culture.
What’s really cool is how Lisa collaborates with her community. She often works with whānau (family) and other artists, ensuring her work stays true to Māori values while reaching a global audience. This balance has earned her respect both at home and abroad, with exhibitions in places like Australia, the U.S., and Europe.
Awards and Recognition
You can’t talk about Lisa Reihana without mentioning her accolades. Her work has scooped up numerous awards, cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary art. In Pursuit of Venus [infected] won the 2014 Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award, and her Venice Biennale showing brought her international acclaim. She’s also been a finalist for the Walters Prize, New Zealand’s top contemporary art award, multiple times.
In 2018, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to art, a huge honor that reflects her impact. These recognitions aren’t just trophies—they show how her art bridges cultures and challenges the way we see history.
Why Lisa Reihana Matters
So, why should you care about Lisa Reihana? Well, she’s more than just an artist—she’s a storyteller who uses media and art to keep Māori culture alive in a modern world. With deforestation, climate change, and globalization threatening indigenous ways of life, her work reminds us of the importance of preserving heritage. Plus, she’s inspiring a new generation of artists, especially women and Māori creatives, to explore their identities through innovative mediums.
Her global reach also puts New Zealand on the art world’s radar. When In Pursuit of Venus [infected] traveled to places like the Musée du quai Branly in Paris, it wasn’t just a New Zealand story—it became a universal conversation about colonization and resilience. That’s the power of her art: it’s personal yet speaks to everyone.
Where to Experience Her Work
If you’re in New Zealand, keep an eye out for her exhibitions at places like the Auckland Art Gallery or Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, where her works are often featured. Internationally, you might catch her pieces in major museums or biennales—check online for upcoming shows! For a taste, you can also find clips and discussions about In Pursuit of Venus [infected] on platforms like YouTube or art blogs, though nothing beats seeing it in person.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Lisa Reihana? While she keeps her future projects under wraps (gotta love that artist mystery!), she’s hinted at exploring more interactive and virtual reality experiences. Given her track record, we can expect something that’ll once again blend tradition with tech in ways we can’t yet imagine. She’s also mentoring young artists, so her influence will keep growing.
Final Thoughts
Lisa Reihana is a true gem in New Zealand’s media and art scene, and her story is one of creativity, courage, and cultural pride. Whether you’re an art buff or just curious about inspiring women, her work offers a window into the soul of Māori heritage while pushing the boundaries of what art can be. So, next time you’re scrolling through an art gallery or chatting about New Zealand’s cultural icons, drop her name—you’ll have a story worth sharing!
What do you think about her work? Have you seen In Pursuit of Venus [infected] or another of her pieces? Let’s chat about it in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Featured Image Credit: Lisa Reihana, photo: Anna Briggs
