Internationally Acclaimed Ngāpuhi Artist: Lisa Reihana, Presents First Solo Exhibition in Northland

Lisa Reihana the pioneering moving image and digital media artist will present He Wai Ngunguru - Nomads of the Sea, at The Wairau Māori Art Gallery this Matariki 14 July – 5 November. This highly anticipated exhibition will be the artist’s first solo in Northland and the first solo show from a female artist at the Whagārei based Gallery.

He Wai Ngunguru is a dynamic moving image installation that weaves history and storytelling to explore the challenges of cultural leadership, spiritual traditions and gender values in 19th-century New Zealand.

This exhibition celebrates the Matariki season and is open to the public in time for the public holiday.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is "He Wai Ngunguru - Nomads of the Sea" (2019), a captivating video installation that intertwines fact and fiction. It delves into the complex social dynamics of 19th-century New Zealand, highlighting the interplay between Pakeha settler Charlotte Badger and Ngāpuhi descendant Puhi, challenging traditional gender roles and examining power dynamics.

Lisa Reihana's ground-breaking contribution has helped shape New Zealand's video, film, and moving image landscape within the visual arts. Her work has inspired a new generation of Māori digital media artists, making a significant impact on contemporary Māori art.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience Lisa Reihana's brilliant artistry. He Wai Ngunguru Nomads of the Sea is accompanied by a free artist talk on Saturday 15th of July at 10:30am. Join us for a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear from the artist and take in this powerful video work, an immersive journey through New Zealand's complex history.

About the artist: Lisa Reihana:

Lisa Reihana, CNZM is an internationally acclaimed artist known for her pioneering moving image and digital media works. Reihana is proudly Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāi Tūteauru and Ngāi Tūpoto. With a career spanning four decades, Reihana explores history, culture, and identity through diverse artistic mediums. Her innovative approach offers fresh perspectives on colonial encounters and the dynamics between indigenous communities and European settlers.

About the curator: Nigel Borell

Nigel Borell, MNZM is a renowned curator, writer, educator, and artist specializing in Māori art. With over 20 years’ experience, he has curated notable exhibitions including Kura: Story of Māori Woman Artist (2011) and Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art (2020-2021). Borell's expertise extends internationally, with upcoming projects Indigenous Histories At the Museum of Art in São Paulo and this exhibition here in Whangarei. He was the recipient of the New Zealand Art Foundation’s A Moment In Time – He Momo (2021) and recognized for his contribution to curating and Māori art with the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022. He is currently Curator Taonga Māori at The Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Lisa Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūpoto, Ngāti Hine, Ngāituteauru)
He Wai Ngunguru - Nomads of the Sea
3-channel UHD Video 19 mins: stereo sound
Collection of the artist