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Lisa REIHANA
Aotearoa New Zealand b.1964
Lisa Reihana is a Maori artist who, in recent years, has played a leading role in the development of film and multimedia art in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her works communicate complex ideas about indigenous identity and bi-cultural living, and are drawn from eclectic sources, including Maori mythology and contemporary culture. Reihana reinterprets important oral histories and customary lore, making them available to a collective Aotearoa New Zealand consciousness through their contemporary presentation.
More information about the artist
 Lisa Reihana Hinepukohurangi from Digital Marae (detail) 2001 Colour photograph mounted on aluminium 200 x 100cm Collection: The artist |
 Lisa Reihana Hinewai from Digital Marae (detail) 2001 Colour photograph mounted on aluminium 120 x 140cm Collection: The artist |
Reihana’s new work Digital Marae 2001 continues her investigation of the concept of the marae (meeting place). In Maori culture, the marae is a place where people come together, and is traditionally bound by complex protocols. Architectural components of the marae serve to pass on family knowledge and to create a sense of belonging. The wharenui (physical structure of the meeting house) represents the body of the ancestor, while the poupou (carved figures) that line its sides represent individual ancestors. With this work, Reihana has created her own virtual marae using photography and video.
 Lisa Reihana Marakihau from Digital Marae (detail) 2001 Colour photograph mounted on aluminium 200 x 100cm Collection: The artist |
 Lisa Reihana Kurangaituku from Digital Marae (detail) 2001 Colour photograph mounted on aluminium 200 x 100cm Collection: The artist |
 Lisa Reihana Let there be light from Digital Marae (detail) 2001 3.33 min. colour DVD, sound Collection: The artist |
In Digital Marae 2001, Reihana presents powerful female mythological figures as life-size photographs, rather than the traditional poupou. The figures encapsulate Maori tribal stories — of gods and demons, pain and revenge, and greed and lust. The video Let there be light continues Reihana’s interest in the moving image, and brings the figures to life. Reihana’s highly theatrical images are also influenced by figures in computer games, advertising, childhood stories and fantasy films.
This artist is featured in the Education Resource Kit.
List of works in APT 2002
Artists and Works
Print friendly version
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