Lisa Reihana to Represent New Zealand at 2017 Venice Biennale

The Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa announced Lisa Reihana as New Zealand’s artist for the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017 and also announced Rhana Devenport, director of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, as the curator for New Zealand’s presentation.

Auckland-based Reihana, and artist of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine Ngāi Tū descent, will present her panoramic video “in Pursuit of Venus [infected]” which will feature additional scenes and will be accompanied by a newly commissioned series of photographic works.

“In Pursuit of Venus [infected]” is an animated re-imagining of French entrepreneur Joseph Dufour’s scenic wallpaper “Les Sauvages De La Mer Pacifique” (1804), a twenty-panel composition of exotic themes that mirrors a widespread fascination with the Pacific voyages of the time.

Alastair Carruthers, Commissioner for the 2017 Venice Biennale, says “’in Pursuit of Venice [infected]’ has already captured a huge New Zealand audience and international attention with its sensuous reimagining of people, place and time.

“In Venice 2017 Lisa Reihana will present a further evolution of her vast and beguiling vision, with new accompanying work.  The exhibition will be irresistible,” Carruthers added.

Eleven high-calibre proposals were received for New Zealand’s presentation at the 2017 Venice Biennale. They were assessed by a Selection Advisory Panel, chaired by Arts Council Chairman, Dr Dick Grant.