Lisa Reihana's Emissaries at 2017 Venice Biennale New Zealand Pavilion

Lisa Reihana represents New Zealand at the 2017 Venice Biennale with her exhibition 'Emissaries' in the Arsenale, marking the country's first presence in one of the historic complex's oldest buildings. The show features sculptures, photographs, and an immersive video installation that critically engages with colonial history and Enlightenment ideals. Central to the exhibition is the panoramic video work 'in Pursuit of Venus [infected]' (2015-17), which reinterprets the 1804 scenic wallpaper 'Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique' and its depiction of Pacific voyages by Captain James Cook. Reihana's work challenges imperialist stereotypes by incorporating historical figures like Tahitian navigator Tupaia, botanist Joseph Banks, and Captain Cook. The artist describes the preparation as all-consuming, involving a large team and logistical challenges due to New Zealand's distance from Venice. She acknowledges the special status of the Venice Biennale, having also participated in the Kochi Muziris Biennale and the inaugural Honolulu Biennial. Reihana emphasizes the importance of reaching diverse audiences through the Biennale's platform. The exhibition runs from May 13 to November 26, 2017.