Lisa Reihana: Revolutionary Art That Rewrites European History Through Pacific Eyes

Lisa Reihana’s work reimagines European depictions of Pacific histories, offering powerful Indigenous perspectives from across the region. Her work invites us to look again at the stories we think we know. Through moving image, sound, and layered viewpoints, she expands the frame of history — revealing the complexity, tension, and humanity often left out of colonial narratives. This video explores how Lisa reframes early encounters between Pacific peoples and European men, and how her work opens space for viewers to question, reflect, and see differently.

And yes — the colonial history books get a little nervous of this one. ???????? Lisa takes those tidy European “explorer” scenes and flips the camera around, letting Pacific Indigenous perspectives walk right back into the frame. Once you’ve seen her version, the old stories suddenly look… well, a bit embarrassed.

AND stay tuned for the 4 quizzes hidden throughout — see if you can get 4/4!

Psst! Lisa’s video is translated into 15 languages, including Māori.
Are the translations flawless?
No.
Is the mission bigger than perfection?
Always! ????

#maori #contemporaryart #newzealand
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Credits:
Certain clips and reference materials in this video are sourced from the following accounts for educational purposes:

Lisa Reihana – In Pursuit of Venus [infected]
https://www.inpursuitofvenus.com/

Facebook – In Pursuit of Venus [infected]
https://www.facebook.com/InPursuitofVenus/

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Making History with New Zealand Artist Lisa Reihana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP9pjfzvgQs

National Gallery Singapore
GLISTEN: Artist Talk by Lisa Reihana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DQVb3M9QwA

National Library of Australia
Landing of Captain Cook in New Zealand, 1769
https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/536111

Painting by E. Phillips Fox
The Landing of Lieutenant James Cook, RN, at Botany Bay, 29 April 1770

Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons

All rights belong to their respective owners.

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