Lisa Reihana Biography

Reihana has earned an outstanding reputation as an artist, producer and cultural interlocutor of tremendous generosity and intelligence. Her attention to the complexities of contemporary photographic and filmic languages is expressed in myriad ways. Her ability to harness and manipulate seductively high production values is often expressed through portraiture and cinematic realms where the artist often enlists family and friends as models.

Reihana has an extensive exhibition history including her solo exhibition Native Portraits at MLAC, Italy, Global Feminisms, Brooklyn Museum; the Asia-Pacific Triennial, Queensland Art Gallery, Australia; the Liverpool Biennale, UK; Pasifika Styles, Cambridge, UK. Digital Marae shown at Govett-Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth 2007 was shortlisted for the Walters Prize 2008 and Anne Landa Art Award, AGNSW, Sydney. Digital Marae 2001- employs large scale photography, short videos and aural soundscapes to create an environment which is a culturally rich meditation on Maori in modern times. This work has been shown extensively and continues to garner international renown. The complex works comprising Mai i te aroha, ko te aroha [From love, comes love] 2008 commissioned by Te Papa Tongarewa include multi-screen videos, sculpture and textiles.

Kupenga Design [Lisa Reihana + Henriatta Nicholas] were awarded the VPT Maori Commissions with in Auckland, Reihana completed the Public Art Commission Rangimarie Last Dance at Q Theatre in 2011. The Matariki outdoor projections - Whetu i te rangi were awarded to Reihana in 2010, and were screened at Corbans Estate and Bruce Mason Theatre.

Reihana's work is held in private and public collections including Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington; Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland; Australia National Gallery, Canberra; Staatliche Museum, Berlin; Susan O'Connor Foundation, Texas and Brooklyn Museum, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University and a Masters in Design from UNITEC School of Visual Art and Design.