Lisa Reihana’s ‘Voyager’ Exhibition Mesmerizes at Ngununggula Gallery in NSW

In the serene early spring landscape of New South Wales’ southern highlands, just five minutes from Bowral, the Ngununggula gallery has transformed into a shimmering beacon of cultural storytelling. On Saturday, the gallery opened its doors to 'Voyager,' a major survey exhibition by Lisa Reihana, a Māori multimedia artist of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, and Ngāi Tū descent. Known for her groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand, Reihana’s latest showcase promises to ‘entice and mesmerize’ visitors with its hypnotic blend of technology, history, and Indigenous narratives. At the entrance of the gallery, visitors are greeted by 'Belong,' a dazzling installation that Reihana describes as a welcoming and joyful gesture. Named after the meaning of Ngununggula—‘belonging’—the work sets the tone for the exhibition, referencing the region’s existing art history while inviting audiences into a space of cultural connection. “I wanted to create something welcoming and joyful as people enter the building,” Reihana explained during the final touches of the installation. The piece, shimmering as if dressed in sequins for Mardi Gras, embodies the artist’s intent to draw viewers into her world of evocative, immersive storytelling. Reihana, a vibrant and compact figure in her 50s with a striking black-and-grey streaked mullet and wide, childlike eyes, has long been a pivotal force in reshaping the narrative of contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work often challenges the biases embedded in colonial histories, striving to re-center First Nations cultural identities. Through large-scale cinematic works and tableaux vivant, she creates powerful visual experiences that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. Her international acclaim was cemented in 2017 when she represented New Zealand at the Venice Biennale with her landmark video installation, 'In Pursuit of Venus [infected]' (2015–17). Now regarded as a seminal piece in Aotearoa’s art history canon, the work has been exhibited at major galleries across Australia and beyond, highlighting Reihana’s ability to weave complex historical critiques with stunning visual artistry. The installation reimagines colonial encounters, offering a perspective that amplifies Indigenous voices often sidelined in traditional narratives. More recently, Reihana’s influence has extended to iconic Australian spaces. In 2022, she created 'GROUNDLOOP,' a monumental moving-image commission for the atrium of the Art Gallery of NSW’s new building, Naala Badu. Described as a futuristic voyage across land, sea, and sky, the work celebrates Indigenous technologies and ancestral connections, further solidifying Reihana’s reputation as an artist who bridges past and future through innovative multimedia expressions. This piece, like much of her oeuvre, uses cutting-edge technology to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural resilience. At Ngununggula, 'Voyager' spans the gallery with a collection of works that encapsulate Reihana’s signature style—massive, cosmic, and untethered. The exhibition not only showcases her technical prowess but also her deep commitment to storytelling that honors her Māori heritage. Each piece invites viewers to reconsider historical narratives through a lens that prioritizes First Nations perspectives, making the exhibition a profound cultural experience as much as an artistic one. Reihana’s presence in regional NSW is a testament to the growing recognition of Indigenous artists on the global stage. Her ability to merge traditional knowledge with contemporary multimedia techniques has positioned her as a trailblazer in the art world. The Ngununggula gallery, with its focus on belonging, provides an apt setting for her work, fostering a dialogue between local histories and the broader narratives Reihana explores. As visitors wander through 'Voyager,' they are met with a sensory journey that transcends conventional gallery experiences. Reihana’s installations are not merely to be viewed but to be felt—each frame, each movement designed to evoke emotion and provoke thought. Her use of technology, from cinematic projections to dynamic visual effects, underscores the innovative spirit that defines her career. The opening of 'Voyager' marks another milestone in Reihana’s illustrious journey, bringing her unique vision to a new audience in the southern highlands. It also highlights the increasing importance of regional galleries like Ngununggula in showcasing world-class art that speaks to universal themes of identity and history. For those who attend, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the work of an artist who has not only shaped contemporary New Zealand art but also redefined how stories of Indigenous peoples are told and remembered. Lisa Reihana’s 'Voyager' is more than an exhibition; it is a cultural bridge, connecting past and present, local and global, through the transformative power of art. As her shimmering works light up Ngununggula, they remind us of the enduring strength of First Nations voices and the limitless possibilities of multimedia as a medium for change. For art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, this survey is a must-see, promising an experience that is as enlightening as it is mesmerizing.