For many Polynesian societies, a marae (also called malae, mala ‘e, or me ‘ae) is a sacred communal space serving both social and religious purposes. Lisa Reihana, a Māori artist of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāi Tū descent based in Auckland, New Zealand, uses photography, sound, and video to create a “digital marae” populated with ancestral figures. The deity depicted in this work is Mahuika, the goddess from whom the hero Māui obtained the secret of making fire. Typically the domain of male carvers and artists, Reihana’s conception of this deity establishes intergenerational and cross-cultural connections between contemporary portraiture and traditional Māori folklore.
This May we’re celebrating AAPI heritage with works in our collection by Asian and Pacific Islander artists. Explore the collection of Arts of the Pacific Islands on our website.
Lisa Reihana (New Zealander, born 1964). Mahuika, from the “Digital Marae” series, 2001. Digital photograph. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the artist, 2007.27. © artist or artist’s estate
(via 23-tiny-wishes)
