Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands' first regional art gallery, has unveiled Lisa Reihana: Voyager, an Australian exclusive survey exhibition by the acclaimed Aotearoa artist.
Open from September 6 to – November 9, the new exhibition marks Ngununggula's first international project. The exhibition features a major new site-specific, outdoor installation, titled Belong, adorning the entrance of the gallery with hundreds of reflective discs designed to glisten and move with the wind.
Celebrating the breadth and diversity of Reihana's internationally renowned practice, Voyager transforms all four gallery spaces at Ngununggula with immersive works across moving image, photography, custom wallpapers, and a quilt handcrafted by the artist early in her career. It includes recent commissions and collaborative projects made between 2018–2025, many of which are being presented in Australia for the first time.
Each work breathes new life into historical narratives, illuminating their fundamental role in guiding our contemporary relationship with the land, sea and one another.
Lisa Reihana shared what visitors can expect when visiting the gallery space and exhibition.
"As visitors enter Ngununggula, they are greeted by a bold and shimmering artwork adorning the fabric of the building. 'Belong' recognises the Gundungurra language name of the gallery meaning 'belonging', gifted by the late Aunty Velma Mulcahy OAM. The inspiration for the work is taniko weaving found on the borders of Māori kakahu or cloaks," she said.
"The chevron or zig-zag pattern called Kaokao is said to represent the arms of warriors performing a haka. It can also symbolise mountains, strength, and the shelter of the meeting house. This pattern references the Southern Highland mountains where Ngununggula is situated, and the sanctuary it provides for the community and the creative arts."
(Image:Mim Stirling)
Reihana is an artist of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngai Tūteauru and Ngāi Tūpoto descent, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of contemporary art in Aotearoa / New Zealand since the 1990s, particularly contemporary Māori art. Her distinctive cinematic language challenges the biases of recorded histories, re-centering non-Western cultural identities and reshaping how histories of colonisation are represented and remembered.
Continually pushing boundaries, Reihana integrates emerging digital technologies and virtual spaces into her practice, fusing historical narratives with contemporary expression to offer a powerful and dynamic contemporary commentary.
In 2017, Reihana represented Aotearoa at the Venice Biennale with her landmark video installation in Pursuit of Venus [infected] (2015–17), a seminal work in Aotearoa's art history canon that continues to be exhibited internationally to widespread critical acclaim.
Ngununggula gallery director Susi Muddiman said the new exhibition is an exciting milestone for Ngununggula's program.
"This is an exciting milestone for Ngununggula's program, and it is a joy to present such a significant international project early in my role at the gallery. Showcasing the work of globally acclaimed artist Lisa Reihana marks an important turning point in the gallery's evolution, as it represents our first venture into hosting an international exhibition," she said.
"Lisa is renowned for her exquisite and immersive works. We are honoured to present a selection of works that have never been exhibited in Australia, including a new commissioned work created specifically for the Ngununggula Entry Pavilion.
"Her ability to weave together history and contemporary life through intricate and thoughtful storytelling is truly captivating. Every piece I have encountered has completely drawn me in, and I have no doubt that this exhibition will resonate powerfully with our audiences."
Artworks in the exhibition include, Māramatanga (2024), a video installation commissioned by Auckland University, GOLD_LEAD_WOOD_COAL (2024), an immersive video work set across three walls of the gallery, Struggler (2023), a striking custom wallpaper work highlighting Reihana's collaboration with Ghanaian-Australian musician Genesis Owusu on a series of music videos and many more.
Opening celebrations will be held on Saturday the 6th of September from 5pm–7pm, and as part of Ngununggula's In-Conversation Series, Lisa Reihana will be speaking with Bruce Johnson McLean, First Nations curatorial fellow of the 2026 Biennale of Sydney, on Sunday the 7th of September from 11 am–12 pm.
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