Lisa Reihana: He Wai Ngunguru – Nomads of the Sea

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 our gallery.

He Wai Ngunguru – Nomads of the Sea 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.